Inkstone as an art form, Nara ink

Ink completely underpins Eastern calligraphy, painting and drawing. Before starting work, the calligrapher or artist, turns to the ink stone and, clearing his or her mind, rubs down the ink stick and only then begins to write or draw. Thus, sometimes delicate craftsmanship, which raises the artistic inspiration at that moment, was provided by the ink. Nowadays, too, this tradition is carried on, and a variety beautiful inks have emerged.