Sumi-e Ink Stone

Above is an example of a Sumi grinding stone. This inkstone is an ornate one and very beautiful. This ink slab was carved in a 'cucurbit' shape. This shape stands for good fortune and every success. This is the stone that I use.

The Sumi stone for grinding the ink is an important tool in the creation of Sumi-e. An inkstone is literally a stone mortar for the grinding and containment of ink. Traditional Chinese ink was usually solidified into sticks for easier transport and preservation. Even a small amount of water could be applied to the end of a stick of ink, and that end would be ground with the flat surface of the ink stone. A larger quantity of ink could be ground from a small pool of water placed on the inkstone. Water could be stored in a water-holding cavity on the inkstone itself.

The inkstone, together with the ink brush, inkstick and paper, are the four writing implements traditionally known as the Four Treasures of the Study.

Each artist prepares his/her ink in their own special way creating a calm and empty mind. I generally use a black Shanghai Premium stick. I moisten the slab and use a circular motion to grind. I like my ink to have a dark and smooth consistency. The contemporary sumi-e you see here by Casey Shannon is called Winter. This image is an example of the various shades you can create by adding water to your ink. Variation in color of ink adds depth to your painting.

Sumi Preparation

Traditionally, Sumi (ink) was made by grinding an ink stick on a moist ink stone. This method is still favored by many brush painters today. Shanghai Premium Ink Stick produces a smooth, shiny brown-black permanent ink for calligraphy and painting. Black ink sticks range from the inexpensive to the very rare and quite expensive. Ink sticks come in color also. However, black ink sticks are commonly used in the creation of Sumi-e. As the artist grinds the ink stick on the moist stone, the mind is cleared of all thought except for preparing the ink. In this way, the artist is moving gently to the space that allows one to create and capture spirit. The Sumi-e you see here is called Orchid Yellow by accomplished artist Casey Shannon. This painting was inspired by my friend's orchid garden where you can sit, breathe, and meditate. Many beautiful orchids are displayed there and this one caught my eye dancing in the breeze.

Sumi-e Tools

In ink paintings, as in calligraphy, artists usually grind their own inkstick (Japanese: sumi) over an inkstone to obtain ink, but prepared inks are also available. Most inksticks are made of either pine or oil soot combined with animal glue (Japanese: nikawa). An artist puts a few drops of water on an inkstone and grinds the inkstick in a circular motion until a smooth, black ink of the desired concentration is made. Prepared inks are usually of much lower quality. Sumi themselves are sometimes ornately decorated with landscapes or flowers in bas-relief and some are highlighted with gold.This Sumi-e you see here is called Noble Snow Spirit Like Bamboo by Casey Shannon. It was inspired by bamboo gracefully bending in snow.