For more than a thousand years, the method of making Sumi sticks has remained the same. Soot from pine or certain vegetable oils mixed with animal or fish glue is molded and dried to form a well-shaped , solid block that, when ground on a Suzuri stone with water, turns to ink.

Yasutomo Sumi Ink Sticks are unsurpassed for producing the famous Five Colors, or shades of black, that form the basis of "monochromatic" Sumi painting. The subtlety of Sumi ink is evident in the variety of tones and values it produces.

Choose professional-quality sticks for darker tones, and the artist-quality stick to produce a range of grays.

Usage Tip — Dispose of any leftover ink; using this ink again will produce inferior tones. Do not leave moisture on the Sumi stick but wipe it immediately with a cloth. Store ink sticks at moderate temperature and humidity.