Chinese calligraphy ink comes in two forms: as a liquid in a bottle, and in stick form. The solid stick type of ink (commonly referred to by its Japanese name, "sumi") provides the best quality ink. Ink sticks must be ground against a "suzuri" ink stone and mixed with water. This process requires practice and refinement to achieve the desired consistency of ink; however, mixing the ink yourself is essential to mastering not only the art, but also the practice, of Chinese calligraphy.
Select an ink stick made of fine pine or oil soot and animal glue or resin. Most ink sticks are made of these materials, but some cheaper versions are not. Before buying an ink stick, inspect it for any imperfections. Quality sumi sticks are compact, with a smooth surface and no air between the soot and the glue.
Clear your work table of all clutter. One of the goals of preparing the sumi-e ink is to focus your mind on mixing the ink, so a clean work space is essential.
Place the suzuri (ink stone) on the table. Set a container of water next to the stone.
Preparing the Ink
Place a few drops of water on the ink stone. The Shodo Art Club recommends using the traditional "mizusashi" water pot, but any container or method you are comfortable with will do. Some artists, for example, dip their brush in water first, and then squeeze the water out of the brush and onto the ink stone.
Hold the ink stick upright between your fingers and press it gently against the water and stone. Keep the stick close to a 45 degree angle.
Slowly circle the ink stick in the water, so that the end of the stick is grinding against the stone. This will release the soot in the stick into the water, creating the ink. You can add some water while grinding if necessary. Avoid pressing the stick against the stone too hard, as smaller particles of soot will give you a better quality ink.
Judge the thickness of the ink carefully. If it's too thick, you won't be able to write the characters fluently. If it's too thin, the ink will flow too fast. Calligrapher Nadja Van Ghelue warns students to expect mastery of this step to take a long time, given that the desired thickness of the ink depends on the type of paper used, the style of calligraphy, the brush, the pressure you put on the paper and even the weather.
