Shodo Daisuki Episode 7
Shodo Daisuki Episode 07
This Is the Correct Way to Grind Ink!!
Shodo Daisuki – Episode 07
In this video, “Shimauchi” from Shodo Daisuki gives a thorough, step-by-step guide to the proper way to grind ink.
Shodo Daisuki Episode 07 – Video Overview
This video explains the correct way to grind ink in detail.
Drawing on his first experience using a large ink stick and inkstone in 5th grade, he talks about realizing how important proper grinding is.
He points out that the common method (putting water in the “sea,” lifting it onto the “hill,” grinding, then returning the ink to the sea) is inefficient and fails to bring out the ink’s full potential.
Instead, he introduces a method where you make ultra-dense ink with a small amount of water, then dilute it to taste afterward.
With this method you can create rich ink in about five minutes, and when the fragrance of the ink begins to rise, that’s the sign it’s ready.
He closes by encouraging viewers to enjoy creating their preferred ink tone and to give ink grinding a try.
YouTube – Shodo Daisuki Episode 07
Shimauchi 00:00
Hi, this is Shimauchi, a big fan of calligraphy. Did you enjoy writing today? Sudden question: have you ground ink recently? For me, the experience of “grinding ink” is tied to a very powerful memory.
Shimauchi 00:21
This goes back to calligraphy class when I was in 5th grade. Until then I had only used the small school calligraphy set. Then suddenly, I was given real tools.
Shimauchi 00:36
If I recall, the ink stick was about an 8-chōgata size. Or was it 5-chōgata? In any case, it was even larger than this. The inkstone was around 7 inches. Just being able to hold something like that felt amazing.
Shimauchi 00:53
I was thrilled and astonished. I thought I’d have a great time with it, but it didn’t go that way—I didn’t know how to grind ink properly. The teacher told me to “grind it well,” but I couldn’t manage to do it effectively.
Shimauchi 01:11
I really didn’t understand the right technique, so I couldn’t make the ink very dark. Even now, I still think about what the best approach might be. These days there are all kinds of bottled liquid inks. But lately I’ve realized again how incredible a solid ink stick’s potential is.
Shimauchi 01:43
If you refine your grinding method, you can produce results that won’t lose to pre-made liquid ink. I want to share that with you and practice grinding together once more.
Shimauchi 01:59
If you haven’t ground ink in a while, let’s learn and do it together. Please stick with me—let’s go!
Shimauchi 02:16
Now, I’ll explain the correct way to grind ink. I think this video will surprise you, so please watch to the end.
Shimauchi 02:32
Before we begin, a quick tour of the inkstone’s parts. Here is the “sea,” the place where ink pools.
Shimauchi 02:53
This ridge is the wave-stop (hashi). Here is the “hill,” the grinding surface—the most important part. Finally, the surrounding edge is the “rim.” Even people who practice seriously may not actually know the truly correct grinding method.
Shimauchi 03:09
Many people put water in the sea, lift water to the hill, grind, and then return the ink to the sea. But this isn’t the best method.
Shimauchi 03:47
There are three big reasons. First, stirring up water from the sea and trying to make it uniformly strong takes time—it’s inefficient.
Shimauchi 04:24
Second, because it takes so long, it becomes a hassle. Third, this approach doesn’t bring out the ink’s inherent quality and potential. For these reasons, that method isn’t ideal.
Shimauchi 05:05
So how do we grind quickly and properly while drawing out the ink’s goodness? Let’s solve that now. Ready? Time to get practical!
Shimauchi 05:19
First, drip a little water onto the hill. That’s it? Yes—use only a small amount, about the size of a 500-yen coin.
Shimauchi 05:43
With that small amount of water, grind and concentrate the ink as much as possible. Keep the inkstone stable so it doesn’t wobble while you grind.
Shimauchi 06:00
I hold it so the contact surface stays steady—not gripping hard, just supporting it. The ink stick stays well-seated and stable.
Shimauchi 06:16
Let’s go. Some people draw circles like the character “の,” others make a more upright “N” path. Either is fine; I personally prefer circular “の” strokes.
Shimauchi 07:08
Keep grinding. Looking good. Because we used so little water, this only takes about five minutes.
Shimauchi 07:40
“This thick?!” Yes. At this point the stick’s edge carves a clear groove as you pass—that’s a sign you’re nearly done.
Shimauchi 08:18
Now the key part: focus on the fragrance. The perfume within the ink suddenly wafts up—that scent tells you it’s ready.
Shimauchi 09:15
There! You can catch the aroma, right? That’s the ink telling me, “I’m in a good state.” Try to experience this moment yourself.
Shimauchi 09:50
At this stage, the ink is fully ground—but it’s far too dense, so we’ll dilute it a little.
Shimauchi 10:12
The correct method is to make it strong first, then dilute with water to taste. Let’s thin it down.
Shimauchi 10:33
The point is to spread that dense ink into the water. Don’t pour water in all at once—add it gradually and carefully.
Shimauchi 12:01
Go slowly when adding water, or you’ll ruin the rich ink you just made.
Shimauchi 13:04
Adjusting the final strength to your preference is one of shodo’s real pleasures. And… done!
Shimauchi 13:48
That’s the correct way to grind ink. Next time I’ll talk about writing as well, so please remember this method. Thank you!
