In Chinese art, whether it's painting or calligraphy, the mastery of ink is paramount. From ancient and modern treatises on ink to various surviving calligraphic works, the use and techniques of ink have always been a subject of great interest. Nine ink application techniques are like nine levels of mastery, each building upon the last.
The interplay of light and dark, the contrast of dry and hot ink
Dark ink is dominant, especially in formal scripts like seal, clerical, and regular script, where it conveys strength and spirit. Light ink creates a serene, profound atmosphere with rich tonal variation and distinct style. Dry ink, an extreme form of dark ink with minimal water, produces bold, ancient lines—evoking cracked autumn winds. Though used sparingly, it can be the finishing touch in a masterpiece.
Liu Yong's Calligraphy: An Artistic Life in Rich and Vivid Colors
Light ink is suitable for creating a serene and distant artistic conception, with rich layers of ink tones
The interplay of dry and wet ink, and the harmonious balance of ink distribution:
Dry ink, though dry and astringent, produces smooth, flowing strokes with rich texture. Wet ink, denser and harder to control, can easily blur if misused, yet its lustrous tone and fluid interaction create endless variation. Semi-dry ink, used in running, seal, and Wei scripts, yields a rugged, mature style. Spreading ink naturally diffuses on paper, forming dynamic, organic shapes. Aged ink, left overnight, develops a deep, translucent hue with rustic charm.
The interplay of dry and wet ink, and the harmonious balance of ink distribution
Breaking the ink barrier, balancing yin and yang:
Breaking the ink barrier with water is the boldest technique. It involves applying water to the wet brush after strokes, letting ink spread beyond lines and creating a layered "five shades of ink" effect.
Ink flushing rendering technique
Obozi brush ink with five colors, fragrant and elegant
In calligraphy, water use and ink selection are essential for mastering ink techniques. Aobozi calligraphy ink is carefully crafted through multiple processes, balancing binder content and achieving a fine, even texture. It writes smoothly without drag, offering elegant tones in five shades—dark, rich, wet, light, and muted—with a warm, lustrous sheen. Highly stable, it resists bleeding, fading, and water damage. A new formula adds a clean, subtle fragrance, making it safe and eco-friendly, especially for those sensitive to odors, pregnant women, and children.
Post time: Nov-28-2025