I used to make my own ink from inkstick using inkstone, and I found out that the final texture on the paper really depends on you — ink/water ratio and such. But recently, I tried pre-made liquid ink for the first time. The feelings are completely different (as well as the smell, haha) and I need to get used to it. Also, I see that liquid ink comes off the brush much harder while cleaning. Is it okay to use the same brush for both types of ink? Or ideally, should you have separate brushes for each ink/style, etc.?

https://preview.redd.it/lyem25uu7wxc1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9cd4979358c6691fbe574b12b45e23d6db793ad5

Can somebody translate this?

https://preview.redd.it/fullfc3kd2sc1.png?width=416&format=png&auto=webp&s=9cc6d236301ad0f8973518cb9d5447254b7203a2

I just bought some 鈴鹿墨 but whenever i try to make some ink it's always too thin and just ends up bleeding whenever it touches my paper

any advice?

I'm a potter, and once upon a time I studied Chinese (I know this is the Japanese calligraphy sub). I'd like to start playing with some calligraphy on my pots, and I wonder if anyone has tips on brushes or technique for working on a rounded surface?

Also, I'm curious what these characters might be on this jug in John Wick 4, just for kicks. The scene claims to take place in Osaka, so I thought it ought to be Japanese. Curious if anyone on a Hollywood movie set cares about this kind of detail, and if it has any meaning within the movie world, or if it is just there for aesthetics.

https://preview.redd.it/z7c5xmap83lc1.png?width=1042&format=png&auto=webp&s=bc6a59239e5f3a06a521df18b02298b5c5c8638c

Thanks!

Since so many of the old masters of Kung Fu styles and the Samurai considered calligraphy as a skill to develop, I'd assume calligraphy must bring some helpful development to martial arts especially with the Chinese Jian and other swords?

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https://preview.redd.it/93755dd99ucc1.jpg?width=313&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c51229266581178706d1145ef47302ffc3de9243

https://youtu.be/QZwMIUMS_DY?feature=shared

It's informative and relaxing to watch. One of my favorite programs. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/xEeCiMr6mmk?feature=shared

All the brushes I have, even though it says calligraphy, appear to be paint brushes in general, water colour to be exact. Or at least the watercolour brushes I compared them to, looked the same.

Regardless I want to find a good calligraphy brush that I can use for Japanese. I do not expect to be as good as the person on the video. But I do expect not to have so many blots of ink all over the paper as I do now. Although it could possibly be the ink or paper I am using. All bought at a 100 yen store. My options are somewhat limited since I do not buy online.

Can anyone identify the type of brush please? He seems to be writing rather small and that is what I want to do as well. Thank you.

I bought mine at the Daiso for $1.50 and my only regret is not using it sooner. Daiso is also apparently experiencing an ink shortage, so this could help in the mean time. Or if you have small children that want to learn, but having spillable and staining ink may not be the best option. Spilling only water or getting it on their clothes or skin harms nothing.

You can write as small or as large as you like, within the limits of the sheets. With two sheets you can alternate between them so when one is drying, the other is being used so there is no down time. Or with two students and they are patient or you are teaching along the way, it should be fine.

Just be aware you can not save these. They simply will dry over time- anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Again it depends how much water is used on the brush. So if the kid wants to hang it on the fridge... Well... They can hang it, but it won't keep... 👀 😅

I find it great for learning, because my eyes will constantly roam the paper searching for the correct one I've previously written, even though I try not to. (I have great peripheral vision... 🤭) With this, it dries before I can really see it. Which brings up the point, if drawing complicated kanji, it may start to dry and vanish before you complete it. But also helps to teach you to write faster.

And if you are conscientious of not wanting to waste paper, this would be great for practicing before moving onto the real thing. Although you could use old newspapers as well, this is a good alternative and also saves on ink too! And there is no clean up of the ink well, water container or brush either. It's all water. Highly recommended.

Pros-

-Cheap and two sheets can last a long (life?) time.

-Uses water only, so no clean up

-Great for children, so no worries of spills or ink staining (or drinking... 😳)

-Saves trees/resources.

-Teaches you to write faster

Cons-

-Does not save

-Maybe not act as true ink to paper would, especially for finer details

-Dries so quickly, you may not feel comfortable with writing many stroked kanji or sentences.

-Make sure brush is completely clean, including water and the container holding it or you will mark the paper permanently

-Dirty or oily finger tips can stain the paper permanently.