The time-consuming whole-making process of Sumi ink takes 4 months to even a few years - it starts with burning oil lamps to collect soot which is later blended with gelatin and Ryu-noh (borneol) resin and let dry afterward.
Ryu-noh (borneol) is a precious crystallized resin used in Eastern medicine as well as in Japanese incense, this natural material is sourced from the Borneo camphor tree.
[ Style ]
I. Zhuzi yulei … 陽気発処金石亦透、精神一到何事不成 / 15 g
II. Turtle / 15 g
III. Linen with gold / 23 g
IV. Goose / 23 g
It comes in a 'Kiri' wooden box
Made in Nara, Japan
[ How to use ]
Put a little water using a pipette into a Suzuri stone and rub the Sumi ink held vertically, softly in a circular pattern. It is recommended to start with little water, rub for a long time, and then test if the black color reaches your satisfaction.
If it is not dark enough, add a little more water and rub again. Continue this process until the desired black color is achieved.
[ About the craftsman]
Tracing back to the 6th generation, Kinkoen was founded in Nara prefecture by the ancestor of the current master artisan, Nagano-san, now working together with his son. They have been making Sumi ink with the traditional method passed down from generation to generation.
