It is said that inkstick making began in Japan around 610 A.D. from mainland China. After that, inksticks were made in various dynasties and temples.
Kobaien was founded in 1577. For more than 400 years since then, Kobaien has pursued the production of high quality inksticks. Their inksticks were exhibited and awarded as one of the representative products of Japan at the 1888 Barcelona and 1889 Paris World Expositions.
An inkstick, a solid ink traditionally used in East Asian calligraphy, becomes liquid ink when mixed with water and rubbed on a container called an inkstone. It is a very unique painting material that allows the artist to freely control the color and texture of the ink.
While chemically synthesized ink can be mass-produced in a short time with uniform color, it lacks the depth and richness of handmade inksticks. Handmade inksticks with finer soot particles have a unique deep black color that cannot be reproduced by chemically synthesized ink. This is because the process by which paper absorbs ink is different.
When an inkstick is rubbed by hand on an inkstone, the ink color changes slightly according to the way of each individual calligrapher. Therefore, it is possible to create artistic expressions that cannot be achieved with modern synthetic inks. The process of rubbing an inkstick on an inkstone is also a meditative experience that cannot be had with modern inks.
Sumi-e ( ink wash painting in Japanese ), a monochrome art form using ink and handmade paper, has greatly influenced many Western artists. The aesthetics and philosophy of Sumi-e, with its focus on minimalism, abstraction, and the essence of the subject, have been integral to many movements in Western art, including Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism, and Minimalism.
溌墨山水図 杉浦俊香, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Some Western artists have also contributed to the global recognition and continuity of this art form by incorporating Sumi-e techniques and materials to create their own unique works of art while exploring the possibilities of Sumi-e. One ink wash painter says that when he paints with inksticks made the old-fashioned way, he is able to express the air between the mountains in the distance and the place where the viewer is now standing in a monochrome world of black and white.
inksticks in Japan are special because of their form, composition and manufacturing process. It is made of soot, natural glue and natural fragrances and has a unique aroma. The ingredients are mixed together, kneaded into sticks and dried for more than four years. This process uses knowledge and techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.
The artisans who make inksticks in Kobaien change the mixture of glue, soot and water to the optimum amount each morning according to the temperature and humidity. Even in this ever-changing natural environment, the artisan's experience allows him to consistently produce the highest quality inkstick.
Kobaien's ink production is based on traditional methods and natural materials that do not prioritize efficiency. It is a very inefficient method, completely different from modern industrial methods that prioritize efficiency. However, it is precisely because of this that the natural color of soot, which is infinite, can be brought out to the maximum.
Are you a little surprised by the title of this video below?, haha. The title is a bit surprising, but this is an up-to-date and must-watch video introducing Kobaien's inkstick production.
After watching this short 12-minute video, you will understand why this rather unusual title was chosen.
Ms. Junko Azukawa, a contemporary calligrapher and ink painter in Australia, explains how to use stickinks.
This product is a very good combination of traditional Japanese elegance and art. It met my expectations. Also, when I opened the cargo, I was very happy with the origami bird that I saw.
very high quality
very high quality
Beautiful paper, and it is perfect for oragami!
I'm using this ink stick for my calligraphy. Let me tell you how amazing it's. the colour and glossines is really nice and it's amazing for small work because the glossiness gives a really nice effect on the paper I use for my calligraphy
I'm using this ink stick for my calligraphy. Let me tell you how amazing it's. The flow is really something else and it's really smooth. It's darkness and matte colour is on another level.
Thank you for providing this amazing piece of work.
I was hugely excited to recieve this ink stick, and on opening the parcel was even more surpised find a beautiful origami crane nestled inside! The ink stick is simply stunning, and I can't wait to gift it to a good friend who is just starting out in calligraphy. I'm touched by the warm service by Inchi, and am grateful they have ensured this treausure arrived safe and well, despite travelling all the way to the UK. Thank you again!
I made this painting using the amazing Saibiboku ( The Inks of Color and Beauty) from Kobaien in Nara, Japan. I have made a collage with some coloured circles and the Kobaien set's swatches a the bottom.
I used mostly Saibiboku, except for the super-black spots and vivid yellow ones. The blacks as well as gold bits and small ornaments are made with Posca markers. Vivid yellow is a nickel azo gold, new watercolour shade by Roman Szmal. Saibiboku is made with Sumi ink, which results in more muted, darker colours - that is why I I did not use it for the vivid yellows as it would be too dark. As for the other colours, from Saibiboku, I can easily make them lighter by adding water, like some of the lilac and pink bits.
It is a Kandinski-inspired composition, I should say. At least it reminds me of! It was great fun for this small piece to be completed, for there is a lot of details with the intersections and so on. As you can see, the Saibiboku's shades are easily coordinated, and the palette is a joy to work with! Thanks for watching!
Kobaien Earth Paper has an interesting texture as you can feel the small amount of earth in it.
It does buckle/crease with too much moisture, so I dry mounted it onto a 300gsm card and then I was able to build up many layers of colour with fine edges.
With the moisture in each layer the paper would swell slightly, but then dry flat.
Working in this way I was able to obtain depth of colour and subtlety of shading.
I used Suibokugayou Aozumi ink, Saibiboku colours with the addition of gamboge yellow and white.
Now that the painting is framed the paper seems to glow - it is quite exquisite. It took me a little while to get used to it, but I will definitely be using Earth Paper again.
We are over the moon with appreciation to Ichi Inc.Japan and their craftsmen. Thank you for your superior service and care with every order.
Kindest regards,
Kelly & Michael Pickering
Safe delivery, lovely sincere note with the package. Beautiful high quality products! Will purchase again.
It's a very high quality ink that helps me to create great works of art. Very beautiful black colour and beautiful shades. Even when very thinned with water this ink is still very subtle.
I am very pleased with the variety and selection of Uda Gami washi that I have received. The four color tones in my order: Akebi, Yomogi, Sakura, and Ai, are as pleasing to the eye as their texture. I feel honored to be a very small part of the tradition to which the Fukunishi family in Yoshino, Nara brings great honor.
Furthermore, my order was packaged with great care, and arrived safely and securely. The enclosed letter and handwritten remark brought a smile.
Ichi Inc. continues to impress.
The colors, construction, and performance of the set is amazing. I cannot recommend them enough.
I have been using this ink since I started sumi-e five yeats ago. It is consistently predictable in the tesults you get. It is easy to work with even for a beginner.
!
This product is a very good combination of traditional Japanese elegance and art. It met my expectations. Also, when I opened the cargo, I was very happy with the origami bird that I saw.
Beautiful paper, and it is perfect for oragami!
I'm using this ink stick for my calligraphy. Let me tell you how amazing it's. the colour and glossines is really nice and it's amazing for small work because the glossiness gives a really nice effect on the paper I use for my calligraphy
