SUMI-E is the Japanese word for Black Ink Painting. East Asian Painting and writing developed together in ancient China using the same materials —brush and ink on paper. Emphasis is placed on the beauty of each individual stroke of the brush. The Chinese speak of “writing a painting” and “painting a poem.” A great painting was judged on three elements: the calligraphy strokes, the words of the poetry (often with double meanings and subtle puns) and the ability of the painting strokes to capture the spirit (Ch’i) of nature rather than a photographic likeness. The artists of Japan, Korea and Malaysia learned from the Chinese and then developed their own versions of East Asian brush painting.

The tools which are essential for Sumi-E are called the Four Treasures. These are the ink stick, ink stone, brush and paper. Inksticks (Japanese: 墨 Sumi) are made mainly of soot and animal glue, sometimes with incense or medicinal scents added to create different effects. To make ink from the inkstick, it has to be continuously ground against an inkstone with a small quantity of water to produce a dark liquid which is then applied with the ink brush to the paper.

If you enjoy ink drawings of calligraphy – Why not give it a go. (Cornelissen.com; Ewan Clayton)