When it comes to ink sticks, oil soot ink and pine soot ink are the most well-known varieties. Oil soot ink is made by collecting soot from burning vegetable or animal oils, producing a glossy, deep-black ink. On the other hand, pine soot ink is made from the soot of burned pinewood, resulting in a matte, misty black appearance. Ink stick making has been an intricate craft for centuries. Let’s explore the basic steps of this traditional process!

The Six Steps of Ink Stick Making

Traditional ink stick production involves six main steps: soot collection, glue preparation, pounding, molding, drying, and decorating.

 

1. Soot Collection

Soot is collected from burning raw materials rich in oil, such as pinewood or vegetable oils. This soot is the foundation for the ink and comes in two primary types: pine soot and oil soot.

 2. Glue Preparation

The glue must be evenly cooked and have the right viscosity to ensure the ink stick achieves the perfect balance of hardness and softness. Cowhide glue is the most commonly used adhesive in the process due to its strength and reliability.

 3. Pounding

The soot and glue are thoroughly mixed and pounded to ensure uniformity and density. The term “ten-thousand strikes,” often inscribed on ink sticks, refers to the meticulous and intensive pounding process.

 

4. Molding

The mixed ink paste is placed into wooden molds and pressed into the desired shape before being removed from the mold.

 5. Drying

Drying is the most critical step in ink production. If the ink dries unevenly, it may crack or break. Large ink sticks require more skill and time to dry completely. The process can take several months, and some manufacturers even age their ink sticks for years to enhance quality.

 6. Decorating

After drying, the ink sticks are polished and trimmed. They are then decorated with gold accents or painted designs. For premium ink sticks, calligraphy or artwork by renowned artists is added, further increasing their artistic and collectible value.

 

Ink Stick Collection: The Art of Timeless Calligraphy

The Three Essential Materials of Ink Stick Making

The three key materials in ink stick making are soot, glue, and medicinal ingredients.

 

• Soot: Pine soot is derived from burning pinewood rich in resin, while oil soot comes from burning oils such as tung oil, rapeseed oil, lard, or petroleum. Pine soot ink has a matte finish, while oil soot ink is glossy.

• Glue: Animal-based glues, such as cowhide glue, fish glue, or deer glue, are commonly used for their superior adhesive properties.

• Medicinal Ingredients: Adding fragrances or precious materials like musk, camphor, pearls, or gold leaf creates “medicinal ink,” which releases a pleasant aroma when ground.

 

Pine Soot Ink vs. Oil Soot Ink

Ink sticks can be categorized into two types based on their soot sources:

• Oil Soot Ink: Made by collecting soot from burning oils, it contains lipids and produces a glossy black ink. It is ideal for both calligraphy and painting.

• Pine Soot Ink: Made from burning pinewood, it creates a matte black ink, perfect for painting misty landscapes, fine details like hair, or animal fur.

 

Historically, pine soot ink made from the pine trees of Huangshan earned global renown, making Huizhou ink synonymous with high-quality ink sticks. However, as pine soot becomes more challenging to source, oil soot ink has gained popularity thanks to its stable quality and abundant raw materials, winning the favor of scholars and calligraphers alike.

 

Ink Stick Collection: The Art of Timeless Calligraphy

Artistic Decorations on Ink Sticks

A premium ink stick is not just about its ingredients but also its visual artistry. Traditional workshops often invite renowned artists to inscribe calligraphy or paint designs on the ink sticks, featuring landscapes, flowers, or birds. These intricate patterns are then gilded or painted to enhance their elegance.

 

At Ink & Harmony, we carry on this tradition by combining carefully selected materials with expert craftsmanship. Each ink stick is meticulously designed and crafted, making it a perfect choice for both practical use and artistic appreciation. Whether for personal use or as a gift, our ink sticks embody the timeless beauty of calligraphy. Let’s celebrate the art and culture of ink together!