Shodo Daisuki Episode 27

October 23, 2025

Shodo Daisuki Episode 27
What Is the Real Difference Between “Ground Ink” and “Liquid Ink”?【Calligraphy】

Shodo Daisuki – Episode 27

What is the real difference between “liquid ink” and “solid ink”?
Shimauchi, a man who loves calligraphy, explains it thoroughly!!

Shodo Daisuki Episode 27 – Video Overview

This video is a calligraphy-related presentation by Shimauchi.
The theme of this episode is a comparison between ground ink (ink made by grinding solid ink) and liquid ink.
Shimauchi explains the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of each, and conducts hands-on comparison experiments.

First, he introduces the advantages of liquid ink: it can be used immediately after opening, can be stored for about 3–5 days thanks to preservatives, and can last approximately 2–3 years when properly stored in its container.

On the other hand, he explains the advantages of ground ink, such as the ease of adjusting ink density, the fact that solid ink itself can be preserved for around 50 years, its gentleness on brushes due to the absence of preservatives, and its cost efficiency.

The biggest drawback of ground ink is that it is “troublesome,” but Shimauchi points out that this very inconvenience hides a major advantage.
By grinding solid ink on a suzuri (inkstone), ink particles of various sizes are produced, causing light to scatter irregularly and resulting in a rich, three-dimensional ink tone.
In the comparison experiment, both inks were prepared at the same density, and dots were applied using Hongxing-brand xuan paper and a mixed-hair brush.

As a result, ground ink showed a clearer boundary between solid strokes and blurred areas, and when water was added, the spread was more pronounced with ground ink.

Even in light ink and dry-brush expressions, ground ink demonstrated slightly superior results.

Shimauchi emphasizes that although the difference is subtle, it becomes significant when viewed in the context of an entire work.
He concludes by stating that the goal of the video is to help viewers understand these differences and choose the ink that best suits their needs.

Introduction and Theme Overview

00:00:00

Shimauchi introduces himself and explains that this episode focuses on a practical comparison between ground ink and liquid ink.
He clarifies that ground ink refers to ink made by grinding solid ink, and states that experiments were conducted to compare the two.
By watching until the end, viewers will be able to understand the differences and choose the ink that suits them best.

Advantages of Liquid Ink

00:01:51

Shimauchi explains the advantages of liquid ink, including its immediate usability after opening and its preservation period of 3–5 days due to preservatives.
He also notes that liquid ink can last for approximately 2–3 years when stored properly in its container.

Advantages of Ground Ink

00:02:38

Shimauchi highlights the advantages of ground ink, such as easy control of ink density, long-term preservation of solid ink (around 50 years), brush-friendliness due to the absence of preservatives, and cost efficiency.
He emphasizes that a small amount of solid ink can produce a large volume of usable ink.

YouTube Shodo Daisuki Episode 27

Related Products

Introducing products featured in this video.

Solid Ink /sumi

Ink is said to have originated in China during the Yin Dynasty around 1500 BCE.
The main ingredients of ink are soot, animal glue, and fragrance, and its characteristics depend on these materials.
Differences in ingredients allow for variations in tone, gloss, and ink spread, giving solid ink a unique appeal that liquid ink cannot replicate.

Liquid Ink /bokuteki

Liquid ink has been widely used since it was developed in the mid-Meiji period.
Depending on the manufacturer, it may also be called “ink solution.” Liquid ink comes in glue-based and resin-based types and should be selected according to its intended use.

Related products / Shodo Daisuki Episode 27