Why I Like Chinese Ink For Dip Pen

[indigo123]

OK, so I've searched for related topics here and have found surprisingly little, given the wealth of information here. I'm also a new member, so please correct me if I'm posting (or looking) in the wrong places.

 

I'm relatively new to the world of dip pens, and have recently started to learn Spencerian script.

I also happen to be a creative DIY-er on a budget. I tend to figure out ways to make things work. I shop a lot at thrift stores and sales and very often try to learn how best to use what I find, not how to find what I might best use.

 

I'm figuring out what works well for me with dip pens and I have become a fan of Chinese ink sticks (or, at least of the one I found - brand unknown). Here's why:

 

First and foremost, it is easy and cheap to vary my ink to match the needs of whatever paper (within reason) and nib I happen to be using. One nib others have described as dry and problematic is the Brause "pumpkin", which I find I enjoy when I mix my ink on the thick side. The ink is as luxuriously black as any I've seen, does not feather, and works well with this nib and others that might otherwise not hold ink well. Different nib? I can mix it thinner. Works great. The only thickener I need is slightly more elbow grease (grinding is easy using a small spice mortar with just the slightest roughness to it). The only thinner I need is water.

 

Another reason I like this ink is that it cleans up with water- even if (God forbid) it dries on a nib. Not ideal for all applications, but for most of mine so far, it's great. No need for cumbersome pen cleaners.

 

Yes, I have tried a variety of inks and am still experimenting with nibs. This has become my favorite go-to, and thought it deserved a shout-out.

 

For what it's worth.

 

indigo

 

 

[OCArt]

Indigo, can you please tell us more about how you are grinding your ink? Are you using a solid ink stick? Thanks.

[indigo123]

Yes, solid ink stick. A little bit of water in the bottom of a small ceramic mortar (no pestle), which takes the place of an ink stone for me. It has an unglazed surface in its interior so therefore has just the slightest texture. I hesitate to call the action I use grinding, as it is not that fierce. More like rubbing the stick in a circular motion around the bottom of the mortar for a few minutes until the thickness is what I like - you can tell that the end product is thicker and less runny than water or most inks just in looking at it and swishing it around a bit. It's a rather meditative process, really - a nice prelude to writing. Once the ink is ready, I use an eye dropper to transfer it to a container from which I can easily dip - a medicine bottle if traveling, or a small glass inkwell (really a tiny candle-holder that I can cork) if I'm not needing to transport the ink very far.

indigo

[OCArt]

Thanks for the clarification. That seems like a good ink to use with a dip pen, but as you already know, I would not put the mixture into a fountain pen.

[Randal6393]

Hi, Indigo,

 

Welcome to FPN! Always glad to see new members.

 

Ink sticks are great for contemplation and meditation. Calligraphers have used them for many years. First European mention that I am aware of is by Edward Johnston in his Writing and Illuminating and Lettering. Although he calls it stick Indian ink. Mr. Johnston describes the preparation and use of this ink in some detail.

 

The book is a treasure-trove of knowledge on writing in general. I recommend a print version. If you want to check it out, it is available in the Internet Archives.

 

Enjoy,

[majolo]

Another nice benefit: the ink from my ink stick smells like concentrated essence of pine trees.

[pollandakuma]

I've never seen anyone interested in Chinese ink sticks! That's really interesting! Sounds like a very calming process.

[rwilsonedn]

Welcome to FPN! And thanks for starting off with a really interesting contribution.

Your technique sounds very interesting. One thought: have you tried leaving the ink in the mortar, and transferring it to your pen with a small watercolor brush? That seems to work well for small amounts of ink. I've read that some experienced calligraphers feel it gives them a more controlled coating of ink on the pen. And if you are so tempted, you can always use the brush on your paper to put in those really thick strokes on the decorative capitals.

ron

[Randal6393]

Welcome to FPN! And thanks for starting off with a really interesting contribution.

Your technique sounds very interesting. One thought: have you tried leaving the ink in the mortar, and transferring it to your pen with a small watercolor brush? That seems to work well for small amounts of ink. I've read that some experienced calligraphers feel it gives them a more controlled coating of ink on the pen. And if you are so tempted, you can always use the brush on your paper to put in those really thick strokes on the decorative capitals.

ron

Not to mention you are one step away from trying sumi-e, the Japanese way. Japanese artists, upon returning from a walk, sit down and prepare ink. Then draw a quick sketch of something that interested them on the walk. I used to do it every once in a while, resulted in some enjoyable sketches of Japanese temples and cabins in the Appalachians.

 

Enjoy,

[ehemem]

Not to mention you are one step away from trying sumi-e, the Japanese way. Japanese artists, upon returning from a walk, sit down and prepare ink. Then draw a quick sketch of something that interested them on the walk. I used to do it every once in a while, resulted in some enjoyable sketches of Japanese temples and cabins in the Appalachians.

 

Enjoy,

 

What? Japanese temples in the Appalachians? Where?

 

And, yes, many professional western calligraphers use Chinese and Japanese ink sticks. Some hunt for 19th century NOS...

Edited April 4, 2016 by ehemem

[Randal6393]

Maybe I should have written "Japanese temples and Appalachian cabins". Good catch.

 

@ majolo: Sounds as if you have one of the better-quality ink sticks.

 

Enjoy,

[sidthecat]

There's many grades, apparently. Another fascination thing for me to waste my money on.

[indigo123]

There's many grades, apparently. Another fascination thing for me to waste my money on.

 

Yes, there are, and apparently I have one one of the cheaper grades, since the ink doesn't immediately get the putrid smell of rotting animal glue - that which holds together most "high quality" ink sticks, from what I gather. I'll add this to one of the reasons I'm liking my relatively "cheap" ink stick. Now, if I can only figure out what it IS made from and where I can get more (and hopefully learn that I'm not being poisoned by some other binder ingredient)!

indigo (