Nara Sumi is calligraphy ink produced mainly in Nara City, and Nara is said to be Japan's largest ink-producing region, accounting for roughly 90% of domestic production. It is said to have originated in the early Muromachi period, when ink-making using yuen (soot collected from burning oil) began at Kofuku-ji temple's Nitai-bo hall. This ink came to be called 'Nanto yuen' after Nara's old alternative name, and became widely known as synonymous with fine-quality ink. Around 40 ink makers are said to have operated in Nara City during the Edo period, and although the number has fallen to fewer than 10 today, the traditional method — collecting soot, blending it with animal glue (nikawa), kneading, molding, drying, polishing with shells, and coloring — is still carried out entirely by hand at every stage. In November 2018 (Heisei 30), it was designated a Traditional Craft by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and it remains highly regarded among calligraphers and enthusiasts.
Origin
Ink-making techniques were introduced from the continent during the Asuka period, and by the Nara period ink for copying sutras was actively produced at Nitai-bo, a sub-temple of Kofuku-ji, the clan temple of the Fujiwara family. In the late Heian period, the method for making yuen ink (using soot from burning oil) was introduced from China through Japan-Song trade, and by the early Muromachi period, full-scale yuen ink production was underway at Nitai-bo. This ink came to be called 'Nanto yuen,' after 'Nanto,' Nara's old alternative name, and became widely known as synonymous with fine-quality ink.
History
Around 40 ink shops are said to have lined the streets of Nara City during the Edo period, but the number declined over time, and today fewer than 10 shops continue to uphold the tradition. Even so, roughly 90% of the ink distributed in Japan is said to be produced in Nara, and in November 2018 (Heisei 30) it was designated a Traditional Craft by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Features
The defining feature of Nara Sumi is that every step — collecting soot, blending it with animal glue, kneading, molding, drying, polishing with shells, and coloring — is done entirely by hand. Yuen ink in particular has very fine soot particles, producing a smooth, deep, jet-black color when ground, which has made it a favorite of calligraphers for centuries.
Materials Used
Production Process
- 1
Soot collection
Soot produced by burning oil is collected on the inside of earthenware vessels.
- 2
Blending and kneading with glue
A solution of animal glue is blended with the collected soot and carefully kneaded together.
- 3
Molding and drying
The mixture is shaped in wooden molds and then slowly dried over time buried in ash.
- 4
Polishing and coloring
The dried ink stick is polished with items such as shells, then finished with painted characters or patterns.
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Artisans & Workshops
錦光園
An ink maker founded in the Meiji era, located in Sanjo-cho, Nara City. The current head is Mutsumi Nagano, the seventh generation, who shares the appeal of Nara Sumi through activities such as hand-molded ink-making experiences.
Official site →古梅園
Founded in 1577 (Tensho 5) by its founder Matsui Dochin, it is one of the oldest ink-making houses in Nara. It continues to uphold the traditional method of making yuen ink to this day.
Official site →How to Buy
- 錦光園
- An ink-making workshop and shop in Sanjo-cho, Nara City. Visitors can purchase Nara Sumi and calligraphy supplies, and can also take home ink made as a hand-molding experience souvenir.Where to buy →PR
- 古梅園製墨販売部
- The sales division run by Kobaien, a long-established house founded in 1577. Visitors can purchase traditional yuen ink and ink products popular as Nara souvenirs.Where to buy →PR
Hands-on Experiences
錦光園
奈良県奈良市三条町547
Reservation required. Hand-molded ink experience (includes an aged-ink souvenir) from around 2,200 yen for adults.
View details →古梅園
奈良県奈良市椿井町7
Reservations available during the production season, November through the end of April. Hand-molded ink experience (includes a tour) from around 4,400 yen.
View details →