Hukaiwen Ink Block Handmade Oil Smoke Ink Stick for Chinese Japanese Calligraphy and Painting Jbh 31g

This ink stick is really smooth and has varying color depth. It has a slight tint to blue. This ink can also be used in fountain pens and dip pens. Just make sure you use all the ink you make since it does smell after a few days. Although the smell doesn't stay once dry, it is unpleasant when using it. I made the thickest darkest ink I could and it does not have much bleeding on most papers. The heavier softer papers are not optimal for this ink as it is water based and it will fan out big time. Rice paper works really well with it. I also used a brush pen and it was just beautiful to work with. I definitely recommend to everyone! This ink will last a long time if stored correctly.

I do Oriental brush painting informally. Honestly, this was my first experience grinding my own ink. The attached shows what was achieved with in a hurried attempt. The blacks/greys were achievied with this ink stick. The blues were achieved by grinding the Tongina blue ink stick (also available from Amazon and pleased with this product as well). I was attempting to paint a storm front moving over the Andes, and trying to capture the subtle shades of grey was critical, I can see I need more practice on this, but was happy to be able to get what I was able to. Highly recommend this product.

Not dark enough for calligraphy purpose. But, you get what you paid for ! update 12/21/2021: ok, I was critical. you have to grind it to break the first several layers then you will get easier and decent dark ink. add one star. Good value ! Today 08/09/2025, I try the other one. beaware this is a different type ink ,which can have many shade of darkness . It is very decent.

This is a superb product and value suitable for all levels of practice. I’ve had it for only a few days and find myself using it instead of my other, more expensive sticks. It is easily ground, in both ceramic and stone suzuri and produces a rich, dark, blue-toned ink capable of expressive gradation. The factory where it is still handmade is a wonder. Highly recommended.

Makes a lovely black ink color. I've recently used these ink sticks and ground them in the ink stone I recently purchased. Image was added to show the color in use on a practice painting. There's a good depth to the color you can get, ranging from gray to dark black. Will definitely purchase again as needed.

I decided to start painting with ink blocks because of the expectation to recreate the abyssal colored blacks seen in traditional Chinese paintings. This product provides that unique depth of black pigment, while also providing time for reflection and appreciation while preparing the ink. The scent released upon grinding is pleasant and earthy, and brings something to the process when painting indoors on a bleak and frigid winter day.

I rubbed this ink stick on inkstone with water. It produced no ink for calligraphy. Then it broke into small pieces. I took one small piece and soak it in water hoping I will get some ink. One day later, ink stick was a little soft and the water was clear. Another made in China product.

Recently purchased this item. Grinds smoothly and creates excellent ink. The slight incense type fragrance is very pleasant. The quality of the stick is above my previous purchase. You can see (only cost a $1.00 more) a more compact and smoother ink stick. photo enclosed. The one at the bottom is rougher and very porous compared to the new one.