Highly visible drying marks/grid/lattice?

Hi all, im looking to get some unsized xuan paper with the drying grid marks/ lattice shape being highly visible. It’s an aesthetic choice for Sumi paper I really like and have run out of sadly. Could Inkston or fellow customers/painters point me in the right direction? I’m also a fan of the half cut paper size, approx 136cm x 35cm. Many thanks, and happy new year!

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Reply To: Cleaning inkstone

The inkstones we use are round and its sometimes really difficult to get the ink out of the corners, especially if the ink has dried up from previous usage.

Can you like soak the inkstone in case you can’t get rid of all the dried up ink? You can’t use that inkstone-cleaner for a round inkstone right?

With all the shared good advice and cautions by others in mind, I can only add that: yes, you can use Inkston’s inkstone cleaner on an inkstone of any shape and size to reach and clean every nook, cranny, edge and crevice.  It’s a question of how [to do that] — and also by being mindful of the do’s and don’ts that have been mentioned by the seniors in this community (seniors in knowledge and experience, not age).

That said, first: you’d need to scrape enough fine, dry powder from the mud block.  I use the dull edges of a letter opener to scrape the surface and corners of the mud block until I have enough powder to clean with.  Second: use a good quality kneaded rubber eraser, which you can tear and shape into any form you wish.  The kneaded rubber remains very pliable during the cleaning process —  it can be re-shaped without much effort for it to reach every nook and cranny, if needed.

Anyway, I think pictures would speak the idea better (see attached).  Again, everything above is said with all the advice and cautions already given by the seniors in this community.  A very light touch is always better, albeit it’d take longer to clean/reopen the stone, than to be heavy-handed to save time (and cause damage).

Hope the attached pictures help explain better.

  

Happy New Year 2021!

~ PS #HowToCleanInkstone

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Seals done with Japanese Kanji?

Hello, I am looking to get a square or rectangular seal made with my Chinese zodiac, Metal Horse. I am interested in having it done as Tetsu Uma, “Iron Horse”, in kanji, as 鉄馬. Using Google translate app, I find that the same characters mean “Zhí mǎ” in Chinese, but the english meaning remains the same. Is this correct? Would the seal carvers at Inkston be able to accommodate such a request?

Thank you for your time.

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Reply To: Brush for workshop absolute beginners.

more detail #BrushesForBeginners

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Reply To: seal carving

You are right on mirroring the characters when you put them on your stone, so when you stamp your seal it will look right. You can use a pencil or a felt pen to draw the characters on it (traditionally they use ink and brush).

I’ve made a video once on how to carve a seal if it may be of help for you : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MeeH21SW-s #SealCarving

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Reply To: Art and meaning

Hi Catherine,

its not really a matter of making it a priority, it depends on how much you want it (i think). Forcing yourself into practising while you are not feeling the ‘vibe’ isn’t going to work out so well as perhaps first thought.

Practising Chinese calligraphy or painting for me is a matter of how I feel. If i don’t feel inspired than it happens that I don’t write for days. But when I do write or paint, I could lose track of time which is a wonderful feeling.

Just listen to yourself. If you feel a sadness because you haven’t practised yet, then plan a moment ahead and say “i will practice for one hour” and then simply do it. Remember this is a time for you, a time to explore yourself in an artistic way. Perhaps you can ask someone to join you.

Hope this helped a bit 🙂

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Reply To: How should I clean brushes?

For Chinese brushes, once used you should not put the cap back on. The plastic cap is only there when you buy it to protect the brush. After using it, its indeed better to hang the brush (the water wont drip out if you gently wipe it with the towel).

If you should put the cap back on, then you could damage some of the hairs on your brush. Some may look funky then #DryBrushHair

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A painting made of paper

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2020-11-15/Paper-tearing-artist-recreates-ancient-Chinese-painting–VrtE8BIO4g/index.html

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Reply To: Brush for workshop absolute beginners.

Fave Japanese brush pens to draw cartoons, sketch/doodle & do caligraphy / practice writing in Arabic (beginner student)!

I mean Zebra Fude Sign Brush Pen #BrushesForBeginners

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Reply To: How should I clean brushes?

The general rules of thumb are as follows:

• Ensure you put the cap back on immediately after use, this is applicable even if you’re just temporarily switching colors
• Store your brush pens horizontally to ensure the ink doesn’t congregate at the bottom of the pens

To clean your water brush pen, simply squeeze the water through the chamber until it reaches the brush tip, then wipe it gently on a towel or paper towel. Repeat this step into your brush tip is entirely clean. #DryBrushHair

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Inkstick with fragrance

I’ve been looking for an inkstick with natural (not synthetic) fragrance. Could you recommend some from your collection? Thanks a lot!

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Reply To: I am looking for a proper inkstick for calligraphy. Any recommendation?

I recommend you Duke Asian fountain pen. I got this today and was very pleasantly surprised by the quality, fit, and finish given the pen’s price. The engraving on the cap and the details are fantastic. It’s absolutely beautiful! I loaded it up with Sailor black pigment ink and it writes very well. It’s so easy to vary the width of your lines because of the fude nib. Writing looks very nice and formal. #CalligraphyInkstick

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