Collection: Japanese Ink Sticks (Sumi Ink Sticks)

SUMI

Explore Over 400 Types of Traditional Calligraphy Ink Sticks

At Shoyu Online, we offer one of the largest selections of solid sumi ink sticks, including oil soot ink, pine soot ink, Chinese ink, tea ink, vermilion ink, and rare antique ink sticks.
With a wide variety of sizes, grades, and purposes, our collection is suitable for everyone—from elementary school students beginning calligraphy to professional artists seeking the highest-quality ink.
Please browse our extensive lineup to find the perfect ink stick for your work.

Grinding Ink Deepens the Joy of Calligraphy

Sumi ink is believed to have originated in ancient China around 1500 BC during the Yin dynasty.
Ink sticks are typically made from soot, glue, and fragrance. The type and quality of soot, the purity of the glue, and the added fragrances significantly affect the ink’s color depth, gloss, texture, and absorbency.

These nuanced characteristics create tonal variations and delicate expressions that cannot be achieved with bottled liquid ink, adding richness to the creative process.

The Fragrance of Ink When Grinding

Fragrances are added to ink sticks to soften the natural scent of animal glue. While various fragrances are used, borneol is one of the most common.

In today’s busy world, grinding ink slowly and mindfully can be a meditative practice—helping calm the mind, focus the senses, and deepen one’s connection to calligraphy.
This mindfulness often brings out the true beauty of your brushwork.

Ink ColumnSumi Column

History of Ink

Introduction of Ink to Japan and Its Development

Ink is thought to have been introduced to Japan around the same time as written characters. As implied by the gold seal of the “King of Na of Wa,” Japan likely encountered writing tools through contact with China’s Han dynasty.
Historical texts such as the Wei Zhi and Jin Shu record Japanese envoys delivering letters to China in the 3rd and 5th centuries, suggesting that brushes and ink were already in use.

The earliest reference to ink in Japan appears in the Nihon Shoki: “In the spring of the 18th year of Emperor Suiko (610 AD), the King of Goguryeo sent the monk Donmyo, who knew the Five Classics and could make pigments and ink.” It is believed that Prince Shotoku used this pine soot ink to write his commentary on the Lotus Sutra.
Inkstones excavated from the Asuka Palace site further indicate that ink grinding was already practiced at that time.

Demand for Ink Through the Ages

After Prince Shotoku’s era, ink production became institutionalized with the establishment of the Ritsuryō legal system in 701 AD, where the Ministry of Central Affairs oversaw ink manufacturing.
As Buddhism flourished, the demand for ink increased due to extensive sutra copying.

During the Heian period, the production and availability of ink expanded significantly, especially pine soot ink. Japan also pioneered innovations such as oil soot ink, marking a major turning point in ink-making history.

With active trade with the Song dynasty and the spread of ink painting and Zen calligraphy, many skilled calligraphers emerged, further driving demand for high-quality ink.

Ingredients and Types of Ink

Ingredients

Ink sticks are made by mixing soot (carbon), glue, and fragrance, then molding and drying the mixture.
High-grade ink is made with pure soot that does not oxidize and with clear, strong, highly adhesive glue.

Excellent ink produces a deep, rich black with subtle tonal depth, gives off a pleasant aroma when ground, and glides smoothly across the inkstone without making noise.
Such ink can maintain its beauty for generations, conveying elegance across centuries.

Types of Ink

There are three main types of soot used in ink-making: oil soot, pine soot, and refined soot—collectively known as carbon black.
Each soot produces different tones, drying speeds, and textures, allowing artists to choose the ideal ink for calligraphy, sumi-e, or seal script.

How to Grind Ink

Beautiful Ink Comes From Slow, Gentle Grinding

Ink can be ground in several ways depending on the purpose. Here we introduce three basic grinding methods, each producing different characteristics.
Select the method that best matches your ink stick and the type of expression you want to achieve.

Difference Between Japanese and Chinese Ink

Modern Japanese ink (Waboku) and Chinese ink (Toboku) differ considerably today, even though their origins were once similar.
These differences developed over time due to variations in manufacturing techniques, climate, and preferences in paper.

As Japan moved away from Tang-era influences and developed its own national style—particularly with the rise of kana script—calligraphic tastes shifted toward softer tones and delicate line expression. This evolution influenced both calligraphers and ink-makers.

Manufacturing Differences

Both Waboku and Toboku are made from soot, glue, and fragrance, but differ in glue type, viscosity, and blending ratios.

Waboku: Typically uses a 10:6 soot-to-glue ratio with high-viscosity glue. Produces a deeper black quickly but with a stickier feel.
Toboku: Uses a 10:12 ratio with low-viscosity glue. Creates a softer, lighter ink that develops slowly and feels smoother.