Ink and wash painting is an East Asian type of brush painting also known as wash painting or by its Japanese name sumi-e
(墨絵). Ink and wash painting is also known by its Chinese name shui-mo hua (水墨畫,
Japanesesuibokuga(水墨画 ), Koreansumukhwa). Only black ink , the same as used in East Asian calligraphy is used, in various concentrations.
History
Wash painting developed in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Wang Wei is generally credited as the painter who applied color to existing ink and wash
paintings. The art was further developed into a more polished style during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It was introduced to Korea shortly after China's discovery of the
ink. Then, the Korean missionaries in Japan, in helping the Japanese establish a civilized settlement introduced it to Japan in the mid-14th century.
Tools
In ink paintings, as in calligraphy, artists usually grind their own inkstick (Japanese: sumi) over an inkstone to obtain ink, but prepared inks are also available. Most inksticks are made of either pine or oilsoot combined with animal glue (Japanese: nikawa). An artist puts a few drops of water
on an inkstone and grinds the inkstick in a circular motion until a smooth, black ink of the desired concentration is made.
Prepared inks are usually of much lower quality. Sumi themselves are sometimes ornately decorated with landscapes or flowers in bas-relief and some are highlighted with gold.
From the Artist:
As a Sumi-e painter, for me, the grinding and preparation
of the ink is a wonderful meditation before I begin my painting. I prepare my work in the traditional way. However, my Sumi-e
style is 'Contemporary Sumi-e' reaching beyond the limits of traditional ink painting.
Traditionally, ink was made by grinding an ink stick on a moist ink stone. This
method is still favored by many brush painters today. Shanghai Premium Ink Stick produces a smooth, shiny brown-black permanent
ink for calligraphy and painting. Below is an example of a Shanghai Premium Ink Stick. Black ink sticks range from the
inexpensive to the very rare and quite expensive.
Shanghai Premium Sumi Stick
Ink sticks can come in colors as well. The set
shown at the right comes with 15 rich colors. The color sticks are ground on a Sumi ink stone with a little water
added. Each cake of color has a raised Chinese dragon; painted in gold. The set is beautiful just to look at! It comes in
a special box that has a glass lid so you can see the colors inside. Part of the lure in the Sumi-e experience for
me is being able to use such lovely materials as I paint.
Bamboo Brushes
The seals or chops pictured on the right are called 'Little Treasures'. Using the seal as an integral part of the composition in ink painting is uniquely Asian.
To authenticate and to show approval of his/her work, the artist uses a personal seal in red along with his signature. In
addition to the personal signature and seal, most traditional Chinese brush artists use seals to enhance their compositions.
Antiquity, artistry, and the quality of the material from which a seal is carved
determine it's value.
Casey Shannon's Artist Seals
Above are some of the artist seals or chops that I use in my sumi-e. They translate
(from left to right):
Square = Casey
Small Round = Spring
Large Round = Be Well
Large Oval = Elegant Style
Smaller Oval = Journey into Art
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Sumi
Gallery
Below you will find selected framed high-quality
fine art reproductions of my Sumi-e available from ImageKind in my Sumi Gallery and in my SumiSpirit Gallery. You can
also customize your selection with a special frame, mat, and glass or acrylic glossing of your choice. The Sumi Gallery
contains the Art for Cancer series.
Above is an example of a Sumi grinding stone. This ink stone is an ornate
one and very beautiful. This ink slab was carved in a 'cucurbit' shape.
This shape stands for good fortune and every success.
Color Sumi Sticks
The bamboo brush set pictured on the left includes three brushes that are
made with 100% pure soft goat hair. The belly of each brush holds a great deal of ink and comes to a fine point when
wet. Perfect for Sumi painting. The handles and ferrules are made from bamboo and wood. The entire set comes in a delicately
patterned fabric covered box.
Artist Seals or Chops
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Sumi
Gallery at ImageKind
Below
Art for Cancer Images
50% to 100% of the proceeds of the sale of the artwork that displays this banner goes to Cancer Research. Visit
my Sumi Galley at ImageKind to purchase these unique Sumi-e. Help fight Cancer!.
I will be adding my 'Contempory Sumi-e' images
to this gallery on an on-going basis. Please check back often. You may be pleasently surprised at what you find here!
