craftsmen community

職人 SHOKUNIN

紀州松煙 Masao Horiike

The only pine-soot shokunin (craftman) in Japan who makes pine-soot, the raw material for sumi ink.... more

奈良筆職人 Kazuo Suzuki

An Nara brush traditional shokunin who continues to captivate artists exploring new expressions...more

奈良墨墨匠 Atsushi Nagano

The 7th generation of Kinkoen, stirring up innovation in Sumi ink industry with over 6,000 Twitter followers..more

赤間硯 作硯家 Yoichi Hieda

Akama Suzuri shokunin, who also wears the face of an academic doctor...more

攀桂堂筆師 Junichi Fujino

The only brush maker in Japan that continues to produce special brushes cherished by the imperial family and esteemed individuals...more

categories

Sumi Inkstick

The ink carries a subtle fragrance known as 'Yūko,' gently wafting in the air. If you sit upright and grind the ink, scents of sandalwood, dragon's blood, or musk lightly emanate, helping to calm the mind.

While many may try to shorten the time spent grinding sumi ink to allocate more time for writing or drawing, Japanese calligraphy, known as 'shodō,' transcends mere calligraphy or artistic writing.
It is a comprehensive art form where sensitivity is honed in each individual step.

You may want to take the time to grind ink and engage with the art of 'shodō' from time to time.

Suzuri (inkstone)

Dropping water onto the suzuri inkstone, gently gliding the brush over its surface in circular motions without applying force, evokes a peculiar sense of calmness. As you continue grinding the sumi ink, at a certain moment, the subtle fragrance of ink wafts in the air, and you feel a further sense of tranquility settling into your heart. It becomes a special moment derived from the act of grinding sumi ink.

While many aim to shorten the time spent grinding ink to allocate more time for writing or drawing, the reality is that the time spent grinding sumi ink on a suzuri inkstone is not necessarily lengthy. A good suzuri inkstone, in fact, provides a sense of enjoyment in the grinding process.

In Japanese calligraphy, which is not merely a form of calligraphy or artistry but rather 'Shodo' - the way of writing, each step in the process is a comprehensive art form that hones sensitivity. It's important to cherish the moment and value the insights gained through the process of grinding ink on the inkstone.

At 'rimpamura,' we offer a variety of carefully selected special suzuri inkstones made in Japan.

Misc

Featured collection

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  • Horiike san on the NHK program called 'CYCLE AROUND JAPAN and shows how he produces pine soot and sumi ink sticks.

    Horiike san on the NHK program called 'CYCLE AR...

    In the NHK program called 'CYCLE AROUND JAPAN: Kii Mountains - Climbing Uphill with a Smile,' a cyclist visited Horiike-san. The film shows how pine soot sumi ink is made....

    Horiike san on the NHK program called 'CYCLE AR...

    In the NHK program called 'CYCLE AROUND JAPAN: Kii Mountains - Climbing Uphill with a Smile,' a cyclist visited Horiike-san. The film shows how pine soot sumi ink is made....

  • 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...

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