Traditional Japanese calligraphy ink, referred to as sumi ink, comes in a solid form. It takes at least four years of production before these ink sticks can be sold, and even longer for the most expensive ones. A 200-gram high-grade ink stick from a producer like Kobaien costs over $1,000. And at some other retailers, prices can reach almost $2,000. Meanwhile, almost double the amount of commercial India ink can go for as little as $9.
Intro 0:00
Making and using soot 1:37
Melting animal glue 4:00
Kneading the ink dough 5:30
Drying the ink sticks 7:35
Using the ink sticks 9:15
Kobaien and inkmaking in Nara 10:46