Collection: Blue Ink / Pine Soot Ink

SEIBOKU・SHOEMBOKU

The Original Ink “Pine Soot Ink” and the Recently Popular “Blue Ink”

In recent years, more people prefer ink that has a slightly bluish tone or a strong blue shade, rather than pure black ink.
Blue ink is widely used not only for calligraphy but also for sumi-e (ink painting), haiga (haiku paintings), and illustrated letters. Its soft, gentle color tone brings a sense of calmness to the entire work.
When used as light ink, it produces a uniquely transparent shade, giving it a feminine atmosphere.
Changing from the usual and trying blue ink can be quite refreshing.
The characteristic of pine soot ink is a solid, matte black (jet black) without gloss, which is said to gradually take on a bluish tone as it ages.
Although the history of ink began with pine soot ink, due to the decline in high-quality pine trees today, pine soot ink has become a highly valued rarity.