Inksticks Chinese and Japanese ink (sometimes called "India" which is a source of mistake) is made from soot and natural glue, sometimes mixed with expensive incenses or other medicinal ingredients. Inkstick has to be rubbed in a special inkstone to produce black liquid (see Accessories). Without other mention, all classical inksticks weigh 30 grams.
Liquid ink and paste There are various liquid inks from China and Japan. Ready to use, they are not suitable for beginners as they have to be diluted with water during the work. Cheap liquid inks have to be finished quickly. Expensive ones come from Japan, where sophisticated pastes are also produced.
Painting colours Traditional painting needs the same black ink as for writing, beside natural pigments (mineral or vegetal) called "yanliao" in China and "gansai" in Japan. Despite their high density their can be used as watercolour but they must not be given to young children.
