Gokujo means "super, exquisite". Shokaku means a pine tree and a crane. They are both symbols of good luck and prosperity in Japan and China.
極 ( goku : super )
上 ( jou : top )
金 ( kin : gold )
松 ( shou : pne tree )
鶴 ( kaku : crane )
Width 32mm, Length 130mm, Thickness 15mm, Weight 82grams
The main ingredient is superb rapeseed (canola) oil.
When painting dark black, the color is glossy. When painting pale black, it is brownish black.
Kinmaki means applying gold leaf. This is the most suitable ink for painting.
Why is gold leaf attached to inksticks?
There are three reasons for this.
The first reason is, of course, the beauty of the ink.
The second reason is preservation. Gold is not subject to chemical change, so it is suitable for preserving the quality of the ink for long periods of time.
The third reason is practicality when creating works of art. For many years, many Japanese calligraphers have said that usingn liquid ink made with gold leaf-coated inksticks makes it easier to draw soft lines. It is said that the gold particles help to make the brush strokes smoother. For this reason, inksticks with gold leaf are said to be good for writing Kuzushiji ( Japanese cursive letters ) .