Sumi sticks

Each bag contains a random selection of various types of sumi stick, perhaps including broken pieces. They are used for making 'bokuju' - liquid sumi for calligraphy or printing.

Break them up into small pieces with a hammer, then leave them soaking in a bottle of water for perhaps half a year. After they have softened up, they can be ground into a thick paste in a mortar, and then strained through cheesecloth to remove any remaining hard pieces. The resulting thick rich liquid is thinned with water to 'taste' ...

'Neri-zumi' and Sumi sticks

Mica powder

This is actual mica, ground into an extremely fine powder. When applied to the surface of a print it has an iridescent effect. It can also be mixed with pigment to add 'sparkle'.

Gofun powder is also available. This is a fine white powder obtained from ground up shells. When mixed with powder pigments it gives them an opaque and sometimes chalky texture..

Watercolours

These 'Sakura' brand watercolours are designed for people doing their first experiments in woodblock printmaking. Mix them with a little water, apply them to the block along with a little rice paste, then brush the colour out smoothly.

The set of four contains: red, blue, yellow and black, and the set of seven adds green, brown, and 'gold'.

Watercolour pigments

Order form for these products

Select the items you wish to purchase from the forms above, then click on the 'Add to Cart' button.

Comments from other printmakers who have used these products is available on a feedback page, and if you have such experience, we invite your input too. Please use the Customer Feedback Form.