Sumi Inks for Calligraphy

Traditional Sumi Ink is made from soot, water and glue. There are two basic types - one if made from soot from burnt vegetable oil and gives a warm brown-black ink. The other is made from soot from burnt pine and produces a cool, blue-black ink.

Yasutomo Liquid Sumi Ink
A good quality permanent black ink made from vegetable oil soot. Can be used for sumi painting and calligraphy.

Moon Palace Sumi Ink
A highly recommended ink. Dries waterproof.

Best Bottle Sumi Ink
A smooth, rich black Japanese SUmi Ink.

Bokuju Sumi Ink Black
A popular, shiny, dense black ink. Caution: it will eat your nibs.

Chinese "Youth" Ink
This is basically a liquid version of Chinese Stick Ink. Look for it in your local Chinatown.