Getting to know and care for Chinese Calligraphy Ink, one of the Four Treasures in Chinese Calligraphy writings.

Chinese Calligraphy Ink

Understanding the materials used in calligraphy ink and observing proper storage and cleaning practices, calligraphers can maintain ink quality used and achieve beautiful results.

Ink Colours & Selection

Chinese calligraphy ink comes in various types and colors, each suited to different paper and purposes. Tracing back to the Zhou dynasty, the traditional black ink, derived from soot, is the most commonly used and is favored for its deep, rich hue. It works beautifully on rice paper, allowing the calligrapher to create expressive strokes that showcase both strength and delicacy. This ink is ideal for formal pieces, such as artwork or certificates, where clarity and impact are essential. In addition to black ink, colored inks have gained popularity in contemporary calligraphy.

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Colours are achieved with natural pigments which must water soluble yet waterproof when dried on paper. Using gold or red ink can add a vibrant touch, making it particularly well-suited for celebratory occasions, such as weddings or festivals. These inks often perform best on thicker papers, such as Xuan, which can absorb the vibrant tones while still allowing for optimal flow and expression of the brushwork.

Lastly, the type of ink chosen can also depend on the intended longevity of the piece. Water-based inks, commonly used for practicing or sketching, are easy to work with but may not hold up well over time. In contrast, oil-based inks offer greater permanence. Ideal choice for works intended for display and preservation, they ensure the vibrant colors and intricate details endure for generations.

Materials in Calligraphy Ink

Pigments:
Lampblack: A fine black soot produced from burning oil or resinous materials, prized for its deep, rich black color.
Carbon Black: A synthetic pigment used in some modern inks, providing a similar deep black.

Binders:
Shellac: A resinous substance that provides a smooth, durable finish and helps the ink adhere to the paper.
Gum Arabic: A natural gum that acts as a binder, providing a smooth flow and good adhesion.
Animal Glue: Used in some traditional inks (like sumi ink) to bind the pigment and create a durable ink.

Solvents:
Water: A common solvent for many calligraphy inks, affecting drying time and consistency.
Ethanol: A type of alcohol that can be used as a solvent, sometimes added to speed up drying.
Glycerol: May be added to improve ink flow and prevent clogging.
Denatured Alcohol: May be used to clean certain types of calligraphy ink (e.g., shellac-based).

Maintaining Ink Quality

Storage:
Store calligraphy ink in airtight containers, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. This helps prevent evaporation, thickening, and degradation.

Cleaning:
Regularly clean your calligraphy tools (nibs, brushes, etc.) to remove dried ink and prevent buildup, which can affect ink flow and quality.

Dilution:
If the ink becomes too thick, it can be diluted with the appropriate solvent (usually water) to restore its proper consistency.

Testing:
Test the ink on scrap paper before using it for a project to ensure it flows smoothly and has the desired color and properties.

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