Why Japanese Calligraphy Ink Is So Expensive

Summary

In Japan's Nada prefecture, ink producer Corbin has been crafting high-quality Sumi ink for 450 years. The traditional ink is made from soot, animal glue, and perfume, with the process involving meticulous techniques like 'catching smoke' and aging the ink sticks for at least four years. The costly materials and time-consuming production contribute to the high price, with some ink sticks costing over a thousand dollars. Despite cheaper alternatives, solid ink sticks remain sought after for their superior quality in calligraphy.

Takeaways

• 🖋️ Inkitsu Okabe has been producing high-quality Japanese calligraphy ink for 450 years, emphasizing the importance of tradition and craftsmanship.
• 📅 The aging process for these solid ink sticks takes at least four years, with the most expensive ones taking even longer.
• 💸 A 200-gram high-grade ink stick can cost over a thousand dollars, reflecting the time and effort put into its production.
• 🔥 The process of creating soot, called 'catching smoke,' involves carefully managing oil lamps and collecting soot over time.
• 🌿 The soot is produced using rapeseed oil, but more expensive oils like Polonia Camellia or Sesame can be used for higher-end ink sticks.
• 🐂 The binding agent in Sumi ink is traditionally cattle glue, sometimes mixed with other types of glue for specific qualities.
• 🍃 The kneading process is crucial for the even distribution of soot and glue, which affects the final quality of the ink.
• 🎯 Craftspeople require at least five years of training to produce Sumi ink, with ten years of experience needed for high-quality ink production.
• 🌡️ The drying process is meticulous, using Oak Ash to slowly absorb moisture from the ink sticks over 40 days.
• 📉 The final drying and maturing of the ink sticks take at least four years, with longer aging improving performance and increasing cost.
• 🎨 Calligraphers like Shijo Azakami prefer using ink sticks over liquid ink for their art, valuing the traditional process and quality.

Q & A

What is the significance of the process described in the script?

The process described is the traditional method of making Japanese calligraphy ink, known as Sumi, which is highly valued for its quality and craftsmanship.

How long does it take for the solid ink sticks to be sold after production?

It takes at least four years of aging before these solid ink sticks can be sold, with the most expensive ones taking even longer.

What is the cost of a high-grade ink stick from Corbin?

A 200-gram high-grade ink stick from Corbin costs over a thousand dollars.

Why are solid ink sticks more expensive than commercial liquid ink?

Solid ink sticks are more expensive due to the time-intensive techniques, high-quality materials, and the aging process required to produce them.

What is the traditional form in which Sumi ink is sold?

Sumi ink is traditionally sold in the form of handmade solid ink sticks.

What are the main ingredients of Sumi ink?

The main ingredients of Sumi ink are soot, animal glue, and perfume.

How is soot collected in the process described?

Soot is collected by burning vegetable oil in lamps and carefully managing the flame and lid to catch the smoke on the underside of the lid.

What is the significance of the oil used in the lamps?

The type of oil used affects the quality and price of the ink. For example, soot from more expensive oils like Polonia Camellia or Sesame can make the ink cost up to four times as much.

What role does animal glue play in the ink-making process?

Animal glue acts as a binding agent in the ink. The type of glue used can affect the ink's glossiness and texture, with some artisans mixing in other types of glue for high-quality ink.

How long does it take to train as a Sumi ink craftsperson?

It takes five years to train as a Sumi ink craftsperson, but it takes 10 years of experience before they are allowed to make high-quality ink.

What is the role of Oak Ash in the drying process of the ink sticks?

Oak Ash is used in a traditional technique to slowly absorb moisture from the ink sticks over a long period of time, preventing them from cracking.

How long does the entire process of making and aging an ink stick take?

The entire process of making and aging an ink stick takes at least four years, with some ink sticks being hundreds of years old.