When you think of a calligrapher, what comes to your mind- A person leaning over a desk with a paper, pen, and ink right! Let’s talk about ink today.
Ink has played a pivotal role in human communication since ancient times. From the earliest cave paintings to the intricate manuscripts of the Middle Ages, ink has been used to convey stories, ideas, and knowledge. The development of calligraphy as an art form further elevated the status of ink, as calligraphers sought to create beautiful works of art with their writing. But what exactly makes ink so fascinating?
Each ink formula is a carefully crafted mixture of pigments, binders, and solvents, all chosen to achieve specific properties such as color, flow, and viscosity. It’s amazing to think that centuries of human creativity have been made possible thanks to this seemingly simple substance.
An ink consists of three main components: a pigment, a binder, and a solvent.
The pigment here takes the crown when it comes to ink. It is the component that gives ink its color, and can be organic or inorganic, depending on the desired hue. The quality and type of pigment used have a direct impact on the vibrancy of the ink.
Whereas, binder is the glue that holds the pigment particles together and binds them to the paper. This component can be natural or synthetic, and its properties affect the consistency and flow of the ink. For example, gum arabic, a natural binder, can create a glossy finish, while synthetic binders like acrylic can produce a more matte effect.
Finally, the solvent is the key to making the ink flowable. Solvents can be water-based, alcohol-based, or oil-based, and they affect the drying time, transparency, and viscosity of the ink. Depending on the type of solvent used, the ink may dry quickly or slowly, be transparent or opaque, and have a thick or thin consistency.
Understanding the chemistry of calligraphy inks can help us choose the right ink for projects and create ink mixes that achieve the desired color and consistency.
Here are some inks and tips I have used and picked up over the years:
1. Sumi ink: Sumi ink is a type of black ink that is traditionally used in Japanese calligraphy. It is made from soot and is known for its rich, deep color and smooth flow. It is typically used with a brush but can also be used with dip pens. When using Sumi ink with dip pens, it’s important to use a high-quality paper that can handle the ink without bleeding.
Tip: In case I use Sumi Ink in liquid form, I sometimes dilute it a wee bit with distilled water by adding a few drops to the ink.
2. India ink: India ink is a type of black ink that is commonly used for calligraphy and drawing. It is made from carbon black pigment and a binder and is known for its opaque color and water-resistant properties. It is versatile and can be used with a variety of pens, including dip pens and fountain pens.
Tip: I don’t use this ink for calligraphy as much, but I do use this ink to outline my paintings as it is bleed-proof.
3. Acrylic ink: Acrylic ink is a type of ink that is made from acrylic pigments and a binder. It is known for its bright colors and is often used for calligraphy work that requires a lot of color variation or shading.
Tip: Acrylic ink dries quickly, so it is important to work quickly to avoid mistakes or smudging. If you need to make corrections, wait for the ink to dry completely before adding more layers or attempting to erase or remove any mistakes.
4. Walnut ink: Walnut ink is ink made from walnut shells. It is known for its rich, warm color and is often used for calligraphy work that requires a natural or vintage look. Walnut ink works well on absorbent papers. When using walnut ink, it’s important to test it on a scrap piece of paper before using it on your final piece to check for color accuracy.
Tip: This ink can be very watery as compared to the other inks so be careful while using it. But at the same time, it produces one of the finest hairlines.
5. Iron gall ink: Iron gall ink is a type of ink that is made from tannic acid and iron salts. It is known for its dark, permanent color and was commonly used for calligraphy work in the Middle Ages. Iron gall ink is known for its permanence and durability.
Tip: When using iron gall ink, it’s important to clean the pen thoroughly after each use to prevent the ink from corroding the pen nib.
6. Gouache: Gouache paints are known for their opaque, matte finish, which makes them popular for illustration, design, and calligraphy work. Gouache is made from pigments, a binder (usually gum arabic), additives, and water. To make ink out of gouache one can mix a small amount of gouache paint with water and gum arabic (optional) to create a fluid consistency suitable for use with a dip pen.
Tip: Make sure that you test the mixture on a scrap piece of paper before using it on the final calligraphy piece to ensure the desired consistency and color are achieved. Also, keep mixing the gouache for the pigments can settle at the bottom of the container.
Proper storage can help extend the life of your ink. Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, and consider using airtight containers to prevent evaporation and contamination.
The science of ink can be fascinating. So, the next time you get tempted to get one of these colorful jars, you know which one to bet on.
