Sumi ink made from the soot produced by burning pine wood is called Shoen Boku (written as 松煙墨). Dark sumi ink exhibits a subdued matte color, while light sumi ink 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.
Pine soot sumi inks each possess unique characteristics, and among them, there are two types: "Ikimatsu (生松) Shoen" made by burning the resin seeping from living pines by making wounds on the tree, and "Ochimatsu Shoen" made by burning dried pine wood. Particularly, the Shoen (soot) produced from "Ochimatsu" is known for its scattered soot particles, creating a distinctive gradation in drawn lines. Consequently, although it may be challenging for beginners to handle, it brings joy in discovering new expressions with its jam session-like allure.
