When you are practising sumi-e gradients or pulling long calligraphy strokes, your sumi ink has to flow evenly and dry the way you expect. In this guide to sumi ink, we focus on liquid options that are easy to use at home, in class, or in your sketchbook.
We compared eight popular bottles by looking at what matters most for brush work: blackness and finish, flow consistency, dry time, permanence and water resistance claims, and bottle size for the price. We also considered who each ink suits, from first-time learners to artists who want a dependable refill bottle.
Below are our picks, followed by a short methodology and a deeper buying guide to help you match an ink to your paper and painting style.
Daiso 180 ml Sumi Ink – Permanent black ink for brushes
- Pick by finish Matte versus slight sheen changes how your blacks read, especially in large fills and bold headings.
- Match your paper Smoother paper shows every bloom and feather, so choose an ink with controlled flow if you work on hot-press or marker paper.
- Size matters Small bottles are great for travel and testing, while 180 ml to 250 ml bottles make more sense for regular practice.
- Plan for cleanup Permanent-labelled inks can be harder to remove from brushes, so rinse promptly and do not let the ferrule dry out.
How We Chose Sumi Ink Picks
To shortlist these sumi ink options, we focused on liquid inks that are commonly used for calligraphy and Japanese brush painting, with clear size and usage info. We prioritized inks that promise consistent flow, a dependable black, and a finish that suits both line work and washes.
We also considered practical factors like bottle size, ease of pouring into a dish, and whether the ink is described as permanent. Our goal is to help you choose a sensible match for your paper, brush type, and pace of practice.
What to Look for in Sumi Ink
Good sumi ink should load the brush predictably, hold a point, and release smoothly without sudden flooding or drag on the paper.
Some inks dry matte and soft, others dry darker with a slight sheen, which changes how bold your strokes and fills will read.
Dry time affects smudging, layering, and whether you can add washes or details quickly, especially on smoother papers.
A stable bottle and practical opening makes it easier to pour into a dish or dilute, and reduces spills during set-up and clean-up.
Pour a small amount into a ceramic dish and keep the main bottle capped. Liquid sumi ink can thicken over time if you leave it open during long sessions.
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Permanent black ink for brushes
Daiso Liquid Sumi Ink is a Japan-made, permanent black sumi ink for calligraphy and brush painting. It dries waterproof, is low-odour compared with many alternatives, and rinses out of brushes easily with water.
- Permanent, stable black ink
- Low-odour compared with others
- Brushes rinse easily in water
- Cannot be re-wetted
- Not for fountain pens
Daiso Liquid Sumi Ink is a Japan-made bottled sumi ink designed for calligraphy, sumi-e, and brush painting. We like it for practice and finished work where you want a permanent black line: once dry, it will not re-wet or reuse, and it is described as stable during wet-mounting. Clean-up is straightforward since brushes can be rinsed by dipping in water. Reviews also note a nice colour and warn it is not meant for regular fountain pens.
02
Permanent black with smooth flow
Yasutomo KY6 oz is a ready-to-use liquid sumi ink that lays down a deep, permanent black. We see it recommended most for brush calligraphy, sumi painting, and bold drawing where you want smooth flow and strong colour.
- Permanent black finish
- Smooth, creamy flow
- Convenient liquid format
- Can bleed in line washes
- Less ideal for fine lines
Yasutomo KY6 oz is a Japanese-made liquid sumi ink formulated for traditional brush calligraphy and sumi painting, but it also suits bold drawing and inking. Based on user feedback, it flows smoothly and dries to a rich black, which makes it friendly for consistent brush strokes and fills. It is labelled permanent and conforms to ASTM D4236. If your style involves line-and-wash techniques, note that some users report bleeding, so paper choice and layering matter.
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Quick, ready-to-use sumi black
Yasutomo Liquid Sumi Ink is a ready-to-use black sumi ink made with vegetable soot, gum arabic, and water. It saves time versus grinding an ink stick and dries to a lightfast, non-waterproof finish.
- Ready-to-use liquid sumi
- Lightfast black colour
- Vegetable soot formulation
- Not waterproof when dry
- Small 2 oz bottle
Yasutomo Liquid Sumi Ink is a convenient option when you want the look of sumi without the time and setup of grinding an ink stick. It is made with vegetable soot plus gum arabic and water, and comes in a 2 oz bottle. In reviews, people highlight that it performs as advertised, and the listing notes it is lightfast. Keep in mind it is non-waterproof, so it can rewet and lift if you add water over top.
Deep black with subtle sheen
Redstar Liquid Sumi Ink is a ready-to-use liquid sumi ink that lays down a rich, deep black with a slight lustre. It’s designed for Chinese and Japanese calligraphy and brush painting, especially on xuan paper.
- Deep black with lustre
- Absorbs well on xuan
- Ready-to-use liquid format
- Only one 180 ml bottle
- Pricey for daily practice
Redstar Liquid Sumi Ink is a liquid sumi ink made from oil soot for traditional Chinese and Japanese calligraphy and brush painting. Based on user feedback and the listed specs, we like it for its deep black tone with a bright lustre and the way it absorbs cleanly on xuan paper for layered washes. It also has a slight, pleasant fragrance. Note that any flower plate shown in photos is for colour display only and is not included.
Deep black, water-based brush ink
Flmouce 250ml Black is a water-based sumi-style ink with a dense black tone for brush calligraphy and painting. The stainless steel container helps keep the ink fresh, and clean-up is straightforward with water.
- Dense, rich black colour
- Water clean-up
- Large 250 ml supply
- Strong odour reported
- Metal container adds weight
Flmouce 250ml Black is a straightforward, high-volume sumi-style ink aimed at brush calligraphy and Chinese brush painting. Based on the listing details and user feedback, we like its deep black tone and smooth flow for practice sheets like rice paper. The water-based formula keeps clean-up simple, which is helpful for beginners building consistent stroke control. It comes in a stainless steel container designed to keep the ink fresh, though a few users mention a noticeable smell.
Permanent liquid sumi ink
Yasutomo CG18 180ml is a ready-to-use, permanent liquid sumi ink made from vegetable oil soot. It is designed for sumi painting and calligraphy, with an easy-to-pour bottle format for routine practice sessions.
- Ready-to-use liquid ink
- Permanent once dry
- Non-toxic formulation
- Not actually gold-coloured
- Large bottle for travel
Yasutomo CG18 180ml is a traditional-style liquid sumi ink intended for both sumi painting and calligraphy. We like that it comes pre-mixed, so you can skip grinding and get consistent results session to session. It is described as permanent and made from vegetable oil soot, and it is also labelled non-toxic. One thing to note from user feedback: despite the “Chinese gold” naming, it is not a metallic gold ink, so set expectations accordingly.
Permanent black for sumi work
Yasutomo Bokuju Liquid is a ready-to-use, permanent black sumi ink in a compact 2 oz bottle. It suits Japanese brush calligraphy and ink drawing when you want a consistent black without grinding an ink stick.
- Permanent black ink
- Convenient liquid form
- Works with brushes and dip pens
- Small 2 oz bottle
- Not ideal for high volume
Yasutomo Bokuju Liquid is a black sumi ink formulated for sumi painting and calligraphy, offered in a convenient, ready-to-use liquid format. According to the product details, it is a permanent black ink made from vegetable oil soot, and it is intended for drawing, painting, and brush calligraphy work. Based on user feedback, the most common drawback is simply the bottle size, so it fits best as a personal practice ink or a compact studio staple.
Classic sumi ink for practice
Moon Palace Sumi Ink is a straightforward 180 ml bottle that reviewers describe as nice and good quality. It is a practical choice for brush calligraphy and ink wash, with the key caveat that it is not waterproof.
- Good quality feel
- Generous 180 ml bottle
- Smooth for brush work
- Not waterproof when dry
- Limited spec details listed
Moon Palace Sumi Ink is a simple, no fuss sumi ink option in a 180 ml bottle, sized well for regular practice sessions. Based on user feedback, we see consistent praise for the ink’s overall quality and pleasant look on paper. The most important drawback to know upfront is permanence: at least one reviewer notes it is not waterproof or water resistant, so it can rewet and smudge with water or washes.
| Rating | Volume | Colour | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Daiso 180 ml Sumi Ink
Best Overall Sumi Ink
|
9.2/10 | 180 ml | Black | C $14.96 | BUY NOW |
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Yasutomo 6 oz Sumi Ink
Top Pick for Brush Work
|
9.1/10 | – | Black | C $27.06 | BUY NOW |
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Yasutomo 2 oz Sumi Ink
Top Pick for Practice
|
9.0/10 | – | Black | C $17.25 | BUY NOW |
|
Redstar 180 ml Sumi Ink
Top Pick for Traditional Sumi
|
8.9/10 | 180 ml | Black | C $16.99 | BUY NOW |
|
Flmouce 250 ml Sumi Ink
Solid Practice Pick
|
8.8/10 | 250 ml | – | C $15.00 | BUY NOW |
|
Yasutomo 180 ml Sumi Ink
Solid Everyday Sumi
|
8.7/10 | 180 ml | – | – | BUY NOW |
|
Yasutomo 2 oz Sumi Ink Bokuju
Also Great
|
8.6/10 | – | Black | – | BUY NOW |
|
Moon Palace 180 ml Sumi Ink
Strong Runner-Up
|
8.5/10 | 180 ml | – | C $13.99 | BUY NOW |
How to Choose the Right Sumi Ink
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Matte vs sheen
The dried surface changes the look of your work more than many beginners expect. Matte blacks: Softer, more traditional-looking results that scan well and hide minor streaks in large fills. · Slight sheen: Can look extra dark and crisp in person, but may reflect under strong light or in photos. · Your use case: For bold signage-style strokes, a darker-looking finish can help. For subtle paintings, matte often feels calmer.
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Flow and dilution
Liquid sumi varies in how quickly it releases from the brush and how it behaves when you add water. Controlled flow: Helps you keep hairlines clean and reduces feathering on absorbent papers. · Wash behaviour: If you paint gradients, test a diluted swatch to see whether it breaks smoothly or turns blotchy. · Working method: Pour into a dish and adjust with drops of water rather than thinning the whole bottle.
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Permanence and cleanup
Permanent-labelled inks can be great for finished work, but they demand better brush habits. Practice sessions: If you often stop mid-session, a less stubborn ink can be more forgiving. · Brush care: Rinse until water runs clear, then reshape the point. Do not let ink dry near the ferrule. · Layering: Permanent inks can reduce smearing, which helps if you add colour or water later.
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Paper compatibility
Your paper surface and absorbency decide how crisp your strokes stay. Very absorbent paper: Choose an ink with steadier flow to reduce spreading at the edges. · Smooth paper: Too-wet ink can pool and take longer to dry, so blot your brush and work in lighter loads. · Test strip: Always try a few strokes and a wash on the exact paper you plan to use.
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Bottle size value
A small bottle is perfect for learning, but heavy practice can go through ink quickly. 2 oz class size: Easy to store and travel with, and ideal if you are still figuring out what finish you like. · 180 ml to 250 ml: Better value for frequent practice and larger brush painting sessions. · Decanting: Refill a small working bottle or dish to keep the main bottle cleaner and reduce evaporation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sumi ink used for?
Sumi ink is used for Japanese calligraphy (shodo), sumi-e brush painting, and any brush-based drawing where you want expressive line variation. Liquid sumi ink is especially popular for practice because it is ready to pour, easy to dilute for washes, and consistent from session to session.
Is liquid sumi ink the same as grinding an ink stick?
No. Grinding an ink stick creates fresh ink whose tone and flow you can control by adjusting water and grinding time. Liquid sumi ink is pre-made for convenience and consistency. Many artists use liquid for drills and class, and save stick ink for slower, more meditative work or specific tonal qualities.
Can you dilute sumi ink with water?
Yes. Diluting sumi ink is a standard way to create light-to-dark values for painting and shading. Pour a small amount into a dish, then add water gradually so you can repeat the same wash strength. Avoid thinning the whole bottle, because it can change how the ink stores and dries over time.
What is the difference between permanent and non-permanent sumi ink?
Permanent sumi ink is intended to resist water and smudging once fully dry, which helps if you plan to paint over it. Non-permanent ink can lift or blur when rewetted, which can be useful for certain wash effects but risky for finished line work. Permanent inks also require faster cleanup from brushes.
Does sumi ink work with dip pens or only brushes?
Sumi ink can work with dip pens, but it depends on the ink and nib. Many liquid sumi inks are formulated for brushes, so they may feel too wet on a pointed nib and can feather on absorbent paper. If you use a dip pen, try a few strokes first and choose smooth, less absorbent paper to keep lines crisp.
How do you prevent feathering and bleed-through with sumi ink?
Start with smoother, heavier paper and keep your brush load controlled. Pour ink into a dish, wipe the brush lightly on the rim, and build strokes in layers rather than flooding the page. If feathering persists, try a different paper first, because paper absorbency is usually the biggest driver of fuzzy edges.
Where can you buy sumi ink in Canada besides online marketplaces?
You can often find sumi ink or brush-calligraphy ink at Canadian art and stationery retailers such as Wonder Pens, Blesket, Opus Art Supplies, Michaels Canada, Curry’s Art Supplies, DeSerres, Above Ground Art Supplies, Indigo, Staples Canada, and Walmart Canada. Stock varies by location, so bring your bottle-size preference and check whether the label indicates permanence.
How should you store sumi ink, and how long does it last?
Store sumi ink tightly capped, away from heat and direct sunlight. During use, decant a small amount into a dish so the main bottle stays clean and does not thicken from evaporation. If you notice clumps, unusual smell, or the ink has thickened dramatically, filter it through a fine mesh and test on scrap before using it on artwork.
- Practising daily and refilling often? Choose a larger bottle like Yasutomo KY6 oz or Yasutomo CG18 180ml.
- Want to try liquid sumi with minimal commitment? Start with Yasutomo Liquid Sumi Ink or Yasutomo Bokuju Liquid in a smaller size.
- Prefer a deeper, more dramatic black look? Try Redstar Liquid Sumi Ink and check the finish on your usual paper first.
- Working through lots of drills and big washes? Flmouce 250ml Black gives you more volume for long practice sessions.
If you want one dependable, ready-to-use bottle for both calligraphy strokes and brush painting practice, we would start with Yasutomo KY6 oz for its reliable, smooth-flow approach and practical size. If you prefer a smaller bottle for trying liquid sumi without committing to a larger format, Yasutomo Liquid Sumi Ink is an easy entry point. Whichever you pick, match it to your paper and pour a small amount into a dish so your sessions stay consistent.
Recommended Reading
If you want to go beyond product picks, these books are worth shelf space. Each link goes to the current Amazon.ca listing.
- The Calligrapher’s Bible by David Harris. A hundred-alphabet reference with stroke diagrams that pairs well with brush practice when you want to explore new scripts.
- Just My Type by Simon Garfield. An entertaining tour through the stories behind familiar typefaces, easy reading for anyone who cares about letterforms.
Quick gear question: would the Yasutomo KY6 play nicely with a Nikko G and a Tachikawa G nib? I mostly do modern calligraphy on Rhodia and sometimes hot press watercolour paper, and I’m trying to avoid feathering + that crusty dip-pen buildup.
Yep – KY6 is generally a solid match for both Nikko G and Tachikawa G. For Rhodia, decant a small amount and don’t overload the nib; if it feels thick, add a couple drops of distilled water and stir (not shake). On hot press watercolour paper it usually behaves even better. To reduce buildup, wipe the nib every few minutes and cap/cover your ink dish so it doesn’t start skinning over.
Anybody have tips for keeping sumi ink from drying in the cap? I grabbed the Redstar and it’s fine, but after a few sessions the threads get gunky and I’m worried it’ll wreck the bottle over time. Warm water? Alcohol? Just… accept it?
I’ve been using Yasutomo Bokuju for ages and tried the Yasutomo CG18 because I wanted a bigger bottle for brush lettering. CG18 feels a bit darker right away, but Bokuju seems to flow nicer off a dip nib for hairlines. Anyone else notice that, or am I just changing my pressure?
Same here – CG18 is punchier/denser for big strokes with a brush, but Bokuju behaves more “buttery” with a pointed nib. I had better luck with CG18 after thinning it a touch and using super smooth paper.
Came back to say the Daiso liquid one actually held up better than I expected. I’ve been using it for practice drills a few times a week and it hasn’t gone stringy or weird. Still dries fairly matte, and on cheaper mixed media paper I get a bit of bleed, but on smoother sheets it’s been totally usable.