Choosing the Right Ink for Chinese Calligraphy

Ink is the lifeblood of Chinese calligraphy. The type, quality, and characteristics of your ink can transform every stroke—from the darkest black to the softest wash—into an expression of spirit and style. Choosing the Right Ink is essential for both technical control and emotional resonance in your work. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned brush artist, knowing how to select the right ink is essential for achieving both technical control and emotional resonance in your work.

The Main Types of Chinese Calligraphy Ink

1. Traditional Ink Stick (Mo 墨)

• Made From: Pine soot, lampblack, or oil soot mixed with natural glue, then shaped and dried into a stick.

• Usage: Rubbed on an inkstone with water to create fresh ink as needed.

• Benefits: Control over thickness/blackness; rich, nuanced shades; ritual fosters mindfulness.

• Recommended For: Those enjoying the full traditional experience and subtle ink gradations.

2. Liquid Bottled Ink

• Made From: Soot and glue, sometimes with added pigments or chemicals.

• Usage: Ready to use, convenient for practice and daily calligraphy.

• Benefits: Saves time, consistent results; ideal for classroom, beginners, and rapid work.

• Recommended For: Busy artists, beginners, casual practice, or workshops.

Characteristics to Compare When Selecting Ink

Blackness & Layering

• High-quality ink produces a deep, lustrous black and clear gradations of “thick, wet, light, faint, scorched” (the Five Ink Qualities).

• Some inks, especially premium brands, show layers and textures even in diluted washes.

Viscosity & Flow

• Too “watery” ink spreads too fast and blurs details.

• Thicker ink retains brush marks and enlivens bold strokes.

• Traditional stick ink allows most adjustment—add more water for washes, less for script.

Ingredients

• Best ink uses pure pine soot and natural glue; low-grade inks may contain synthetic resin or industrial dyes (risking fading or poor layering).

• Some modern inks include colored pigments (e.g., cinnabar red, blue-black, brown).

Aroma

• Traditional ink stick or high-quality bottled ink has a natural, pleasant fragrance from the use of authentic soot and glue.

Popular Ink Brands and Practical Tips

• Yi De Ge (一得阁): Excellent for strong layering and vivid black; a classic stick and bottled ink.​

• Red Star: Famous bottled ink in China; quality varies by grade, good for everyday practice.​

• Lion Ink: Professional results, rich black, preferred by pros and exhibition artists.​

• Kaimei (Japan): Known for superb layering, vibrant black, and smooth writing.​

• Xuanzong/Xuanming (Japan): Premium, powerful ink; professional choice for valuable works.​

• Kuretake (吴竹): Nara-based since 1902, crafting quality inks with tradition and customer focus, globally trusted.

How to Test and Use Your Ink

• Test on Xuan Paper: Always test a new ink on your chosen calligraphy paper to observe spread, dark/light control, and layering.

• Dilute Appropriately: Most bottled inks benefit from a small amount of water (pro tip: start 1 part ink, 2 parts water for some brands ).​

• Shake Liquid Ink Gently Before Use: Dispersion ensures even color.

• Store Carefully: Keep ink bottles tightly sealed, away from frost and sunlight. Traditional stick ink should be air-dried and stored in a ventilated box.

A Note on Mindfulness

Working with ink is itself a meditative ritual. Grinding a stick or observing the flow of bottled ink prepares both mind and body for the practice of calligraphy, turning every session into an act of embodied art.

Let your ink reflect your intention. Choose with care, and your brush will speak with clarity.

Do you have a favorite ink or a tip for beginners? Share your experiences in the comments—and keep practicing with heart!