Craft · No. 194
No. 194文具
Nara Ink Stick
奈良墨
nara ink stick · 奈良県
Nara Ink Stick is a traditional solid ink produced in Nara Prefecture, shaped by centuries of temple culture and sutra-copying practice. It is prized for its rich, deep black tone and exceptional gradation when used with a grinding stone and water.
- Origin
- 奈良県
- Category
- 文具
- Materials
- 煤 · 膠 · 油
- Designation
- Nat'l Traditional Craft
No. IHistory
The origins of ink-stick production in Nara are closely tied to the flourishing of Buddhist culture in ancient Japan. As great temples were establishe…
No. IIMaterials
Nara Ink Sticks are made primarily from two raw materials: soot and nikawa (animal-hide glue). The soot is obtained either by burning plant oils such…
No. IIITechniques
The production process involves several key stages: collecting soot, blending with nikawa, kneading, molding, drying, and finishing. The kneading stag…
No. IVClimate
Nara Basin has an inland climate with hot, humid summers and relatively dry winters. This pattern of seasonal temperature and humidity variation suppo…
