Hukaiwen Ink BlockEasyou Handmade Fine Lacquer Smoke Ink Stick for Chinese Japanese Calligraphy and Painting CdqShyn 62g

I practice calligraphy as part of my Zazen practice. I always wanted to try hard ink and I finally got it. I should say my initial experience with the ink was pretty dissapointing because I didn't know how to use it.I struggled with the ink for about a week until I finally got a feel for it. This ink is definitely not for beginners in the fine arts because it requires a lot of dedication to produce desirable results. I would say do not get this if you are into western calligraphy because this ink is strictly for serious Chinese or Japanese Kanji calligraphy and Sumi painting. The ink is for brush, not for metal dip pens.The ink needs to be black like tar. In order to get to that point when the ink is no longer gray and transparent the ink needs to be of slightly thicker consistency than water. I don't know how to explain it, you can experience it when you start grinding it. When you draw the ink stick on the bottom of your ink grind stone you make a line and you can see the bottom clearly, then the ink slowly retracts and covers the line.Grinding the ink is truly a Zen practice in itself and a pleasant one because the ink produces an unique sweet fragrance that I can't compare to anything else so and I can't stop smelling it while working with it. When your artwork dries, the ink is speak and shiny. It also produces little sparkly spots that are truly amazing.The ink has texture and depth. When your artwork dries out you should expect to see ridges and you will know where each strand of your brushe's hairs caressed the paper. I work with large brushes and I can only tell you that's a lot of work. I have to grind between each character but it's worth it, no other liquid ready to use ink compares to this one. It's truly amazing and underrated. Highly recommended for the experienced artist.If you are a novice, don't get discouraged, there's nothing wrong with attempting to use it. This is how you learn. You have to attempt greatness by all means. This is the way.

I only just started doing ink drawings last year. I fell in love with this medium from the start. This stick made a lovely shade of black, more so than another brand I had gotten some months before. I allow the ink to rest in a covered ink stone. The ink seems to get richer if you allow it to cure for a few weeks. I build the layers with watered down shades of gray, and then do the final shadows with the darkest batch of ink.I'm also hooked on the scent of these ink sticks. They invoke a sense of calm. I believe this sort of "aroma therapy" helps me to concentrate on my work, even more so than other mediums. I added some white charcoal for highlights and texture. Buy this stick with a large ink stone that has a lid and you will not be disappointed!

Make it right. This is reality of made in china product.

I really appreciate the fine lacquer soot ink stick hand prepared for Chinese and Japanese calligraphy and Painting. I use the prepared ink for Sumi - e painting. I love the consistent texture and values available with the ink.

I haven’t yet tried the ink but the photo is misleading. You receive one ink stick, not two as pictured.

Love this inkstone! I have tried some of similar price and don't have the quality of this stone. This inkstone is smooth (unlike the cheap ones that have sandy particles) to grind and most important its dark. The smell is earthy and nice so that's a plus.

My airbrush and calligraphy pens just love the rich, dark ink these sticks create. Plus, their such cute little things to boot, looking just as nice for display as grinding in the inkstone.And the grinding is so meditative.

Very good quality！Maybe the best ink stick I've seen. Smells so good！