I am Houca, an Indian-ink Artist and am active based in Tokyo.
I exhibit works at an exhibition more than six times a year as an Indian-ink Artist.
I won the prize of the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare at the 44th All-Japan Suibokuga-art Excellent Work Exhibition.
Today, I’ll tell you about the Indian-ink paintings.
Indian-ink paintings are called "Sumie" or "Suibokuga" in Japanese.
As for the sumie, Sesshu of the Japanese Muromachi era is famous artist in Japan.
Indian-ink is thought to have been invented 3,500 years ago in China.
Indian-ink is made from the soot obtained by burning vegetable oils, such as rapeseed oil.
Glue and an aromatic substance are added to the soot. The kneaded mixture is then dried for six months to a year.
After that, the ink is ready for use.
To use it, you need to dissolve it in water.
The gradation of Indian ink paintings is very beautiful. The Japanese see endless possibilities in the beautiful black and grey tones produced by Indian ink.
（Reference documents:nhk text trad Japan）
