墨 Sumi made from pine-soot

In Japan, sumi ink made from the soot produced by burning pine wood is called Shoen Boku (written as 松煙墨). Thick sumi ink (濃墨) exhibits a subdued matte color, while thinned sumi ink (淡墨) features a transparent and luminous shade providing a fine-grained three-dimensional effect. It is said that as it ages, the color shifts from black tones to blue tones.

One important note is that thinned sumi ink (淡墨) is not simply diluted sumi ink with a light shade; it refers to sumi ink that has been intensely ground to achieve a deep black color and then diluted with water. In sumi-e painting, the transparency of the artwork is crucial, and the preparation of sumi ink plays a significant role in altering the impression of the sumi-e painting.

The sole shokunin (craftsman) currently producing pine soot in Japan is Mr. Masao Horiike of Kishu Shoen.

rimpamura curated several precious sumi inks made from pine-soot.

1 5

松煙墨 Sumi ink made by pine soot

1 9

what's new

Alle anzeigen
  • Maki Fude (cored brushes) vs Suihitsu (non-cored brushes

    Maki Fude (cored brushes) vs Suihitsu (non-core...

    A Makifude has Japanese paper wrapped around its core; therefore, only about one-third of the bristles on a Makifude brush are exposed for use, while the bristles of a Suihitsu...

    Maki Fude (cored brushes) vs Suihitsu (non-core...

    A Makifude has Japanese paper wrapped around its core; therefore, only about one-third of the bristles on a Makifude brush are exposed for use, while the bristles of a Suihitsu...

  • Two different ways of making brushes

    Two different ways of making brushes

    Fude making has been practiced throughout Japan for centuries, and while the manufacturing methods can vary somewhat depending on the region and shokunin, they can be broadly categorized into two...

    Two different ways of making brushes

    Fude making has been practiced throughout Japan for centuries, and while the manufacturing methods can vary somewhat depending on the region and shokunin, they can be broadly categorized into two...

  • Sumi is buried in the ash to dry.

    Season of Sumi making is over this year. Sumi i...

    The production of sumi ink takes place during winter. This is because one of the raw materials for sumi, Nikawa glue, may not solidify or may even rot when it...

    Season of Sumi making is over this year. Sumi i...

    The production of sumi ink takes place during winter. This is because one of the raw materials for sumi, Nikawa glue, may not solidify or may even rot when it...

  • Yoichi Hieda awarded at the 47th Yamaguchi Traditional Crafts Exhibition.

    Yoichi Hieda awarded at the 47th Yamaguchi Trad...

    It is our great pleasure to announce that Yoichi Hieda is awarded the "Japan Crafts Association Yamaguchi Branch Director's Award", the equivalent of the first prize, at the 47th Yamaguchi...

    Yoichi Hieda awarded at the 47th Yamaguchi Trad...

    It is our great pleasure to announce that Yoichi Hieda is awarded the "Japan Crafts Association Yamaguchi Branch Director's Award", the equivalent of the first prize, at the 47th Yamaguchi...

1 4
Alle anzeigen