inksticks

Inksticks, also known as ink blocks or ink cakes, are solid sticks of ink traditionally used in East Asian calligraphy and painting. They are made by mixing soot, typically from burned pine wood or tung oil, with a binder such as animal glue or gelatin. Pigments like cinnabar for red or lapis lazuli for blue can be added for color. The mixture is then pressed into molds and dried.

To use an inkstick, a small amount of water is added to an inkstone, a flat surface often made of stone. The inkstick is then ground against the wet surface in a circular motion. This process grinds fine particles of ink and mixes them with the water, creating liquid ink. The consistency of the ink can be adjusted by adding more or less water. The process of grinding ink is considered a meditative and essential part of the artistic practice.

Inksticks have a long history, dating back to ancient China. They were highly valued and often elaborately decorated, with intricate carvings and designs. Different types of inksticks were developed for various purposes, such as calligraphy, painting, and even for medicinal use in some historical contexts. While modern liquid inks are widely available, inksticks remain popular among traditional artists and calligraphers who appreciate their unique texture, depth of color, and the ritualistic aspect of their preparation. They are also collected as art objects in their own right.