Teneri (fine hand kneading), Nara ink

Few of the processes involved in ink making can be mechanized, and it is manufactured by experienced craftsmen using ancient methods. The collected soot is mixed with heated glue and kneaded, until it forms a ball. The ball of ink is further kneaded using the craftsman’s full body weight (ashineri; foot kneading), and then teneri (fine hand kneading) is carried out.