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 otherwise ethey start smelling. Expensive ones come from Japan, where sophisticated pastes are also produced.
Painting colours Traditional painting needs the same black ink as for writing. As for colours, natural pigments (mineral or vegetal) are used, called "yanliao" in China and "gansai" in Japan. Despite their high density they serve in the same manner as watercolour but they must not be given to young children.
