Think ink. Think Nara Sumi.
From shaping it in its first, raw moments to writing with it 1,000 years later, the power of expression within Nara Sumi is limitless.
Ink Stick
This ancient art of Eastern culture
Nara Sumi ink sticks are not just a tool for writing characters.
When you rub an ink stick, your mind finds a kind of calmness, and your concentration improves.
Calligraphy quiets the mind, a meditative action that can bring stability and stillness.
This ancient art of Eastern culture is waiting for you in Nara.
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What is Nara Sumi?
Nara Sumi, or ink made in Nara, is made through a traditional method that goes back over a thousands years.
Whether for writing or decoration, we hope you feel the raw, true beauty of Nara Sumi.
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Gripped Sumi Experience
An experience you can only find in Nara, won't you try making high-quality ink with your own hands?
You can experience creating "gripped sumi" by squeezing raw ink with your own hands in a workshop filled with the drifting scents of classical Japan.
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About Kinkoen
Our workshop has continued the tradition of Nara sumi since its establishment 150 years ago.
Did you know that 95% of sumi in Japan is made in Nara city? Making Inkstick is a traditional art of Nara, and it is said that it can be used for over 1,000 years.
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Kinkoen Official Video
About the Philosophy of Kinkoen
We have our very own philosophy at Kinkoen.
“Bokushu”, which is short for “protect ink”.
Please take a look at the video that contains our thoughts. -
Production Process
Here we will explain how we produce our soot sumistick, which is what we mostly make in our workshop.
If sumistick is produced during a warm period, the gelatin inside the sumistick rots, so we avoid this by producing ink between October and May.
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Product Sales
Kinkoen also sells products to customers overseas.
We have all kinds of Inkstick available.Please feel free to ask us about the use and purpose of any Inkstick.
