What Is an Ink Stick?

Traditional Chinese calligraphers use ink sticks.

Ink sticks are used to make ink for traditional Japanese and Chinese calligraphy. Many calligraphers consider ink sticks a superior alternative to bottled ink.

Identification

Ink sticks are comprised of soot and a small amount of glue to bind. Sticks are smooth with a regular shape and texture. Traditional calligraphers employ an accessory called an ink stone, a small surface with a well to hold the resulting ink.

Types

Japanese and Chinese ink sticks differ in pigmentation. Chinese ink sticks are warmer in tone, while the Japanese sticks have a bluish tint. Each produces a different effect in calligraphy and drawings.

Usage

To make ink from an ink stick, drip some water onto an ink stone and gently rub the end of the stick against the ink stone. Add more water, and grind until you have achieved a relatively thick mixture. Ink sticks should be carefully dried and stored until the next usage, and the ink stone should be emptied and cleaned.

References

• Nadja Van Ghelue: What ink stick should you choose for Japanese calligraphy?
• BLICK Art Materials: Yasutomo Suzuri Grinding Stone