Sumi is a type of ink that has been used for Japanese calligraphy for centuries. It is made from a blend of pine soot, gelatin, and fragrant aromas, which are expertly mixed by skilled artisans. The mixture is then kneaded until it forms a smooth and consistent paste, shaped into wooden molds, and aged for months or even years, allowing the sumi to develop its unique character and depth of color.

To produce ink from sumi, you must rub it against a suzuri stone with a small amount of water. The concentration of the ink can be adjusted based on the length of time you rub the sumi against the stone, allowing for a wide range of shades and tones to be created. When using sumi ink on washi paper, the gelatin in the ink seeps into the fibers of the paper, resulting in blotting and blurring that create a unique three-dimensional effect that cannot be replicated with bottled ink.

The sumi ink is made in collaboration with Kinkoen, a 150-year-old family-run business in Nara. As the first capital of Japan and home to notable temples and shrines, Nara has been known for sumi since the 8th century. With the decline of sumi use, Kinkoen is one of the few remaining companies that still produce sumi in Japan.