Ink Sticks, Now and Then

Part of the pleasure of working in Chinese brush is the beauty of the various tools and implements. The brushes are delicate and lovely, usually made from natural materials. The rack the brushes hang on is a work of art in itself. The stone that is used to grind ink can be ornate, and it takes on a lovely patina with use. Even the sticks of ink are handsome, decorated with raised bamboo, bridges, flowers, mountains, and/or streams.

While looking at an online antiques auction, my partner Mark spotted the below set of ink sticks nestled in their own box. I love how they’ve developed muted tones over the years. The greens, reds, and golds are still discernible, though, and the embossed designs are as crisp as ever.

We keep this set in a glass-front cupboard, so we can pull it out and study it periodically. Such gorgeous craftsmanship! When I consider how little today’s ink sticks have changed, I feel like I’m participating in something larger and long-lasting. So very satisfying.