Why Calligraphy Inkstones Are So Expensive | So Expensive | Business Insider

Calligraphy inkstones, especially elaborately designed ones, can cost over $5,000. While the traditional practice of using an ink stick and inkstone is less common now that liquid ink exists, the artistry and labor involved in making inkstones, for use or as collectibles, keeps demand alive.

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Why Calligraphy Inkstones Are So Expensive | So Expensive | Business Insider

[PicklesBrandt]

If I was a rock, I can't imagine how happy it would make me to hear a Korean craftsman say "This is a good rock"

[ria]

The way the both of them are connected to their environment and seek that connection... it's all cyclical! These rocks have been here long before us, and they will be here after, but touched by our hands and these beautiful crafts!

[BruderSenf]

"you are just resting" and "he is more senior than me" xD two elderly gentleman who work together since only god knows, still roasting eachother is always a good sign

[pigcatapult]

Me: Is it because they’re made by a dwindling group of— [aging artisans who can’t find apprentices for a passion trade in this economy?]

Husband, who has seen the vid and heard me say this many times before: Yes.

[aBRUSHforCONFUCIUS]

The reasons inkstones is much better than bottled ink. The ink stick can be exploited by the pressure on the inkstone. This means the fineness of ink particles can be controlled. The inksticks come in a huge variety of starting ingredients. The soot made from oil, pine or other trees, tar soot, lacquer soot, etc. This gives the ink variations in subtle tints from blue, purple to reddish and greenish. The glue used effects the body of the ink on the brush. How it interacts with water and the paper.
The older the inkstick the better it is. The molecular weight drops, which gives the ink a faster yet more controllable feel. The ink also sticks to the hair in a way, which always the brush to be far more sensitive. Especially when using very fine hair of high quality brushes. Bottled ink attacks the hair of the brushes, wearing them out quicker. Older ink does not dry out as quick, if it does, the rewetting doesn't cause uncontrolled streaking issues or rings. Inksticks over 15 years but generally more than twenty, does not go off in a day. It can ge kept up to two weeks and never stinks, unlike bottled ink which smells rancid after a day or two. Bottled ink is much more difficult to clean out of the brush. In the end inksticks are actually cheaper. Each can produce several gallons or more. Beware of poor quality inksticks and inkstones. Never buy inkstones based on name. Low quality stones can come from famous pits because of the limited supply. A good quality inkstick feels like fingernail. Oily, smooth yet a slightly sticky. Bever too heavy. Japanese and Koreans may lacquer and buff some types of inksticks. These are very shiny. Crisp details in design never sloppy. A hollow sound as an nkstick ages, when flicked with the finger. GoodCharacters out of California sells high quality Sam Yick brushes and a good colkection of inksticks.

[melodyparra]

All that cutting and all that chiseling with a key 10 of the detail and everything is hand done with nothing more than physical labor and hand tools and at his age congrats I hope he Continues to do what he loves

[BrianJamesTemple]

Two amazing artisans, and two valuable perspectives. How beautiful it is to devote oneself, mind and body, to this dying craft.

[FlipTheBard]

I always love to see these craft works, it feels like doing things by hand, the old way, although more time consuming, it's best if you just want to "shut down" from society and focus only on doing your work.

Feels almost meditative.

[samalight]

wow we finish the trinity we now know why calligraphy brushes, ink sticks, and ink stones are so expensive. What's next the calligraphy paper they're on?

[georgie]

The craftsman is using a Galaxy Flip 🤯
So it is true Korea is Samsung Land that even elderly are using a samsung smartphone

[paulspencer]

Business insider story telling I absolutely look forward to, its rich, spiritual and they spend time deeply connecting with the people they document. Lovely stuff 10/10

[EcomCarl]

Guan yuku's dedication to crafting inkstones from natural red rock is truly admirable, showcasing the artistry and tradition behind calligraphy. The level of control and quality of ink these inkstones offer is unparalleled, making them a valuable tool for professional calligraphers. 🖋

[mrwinemaker]

I like that caligrapher's views and explanations. They are tastefully sensational about their art, but without the BS and OVER sensationalization that comes with a lot of different art you see now a days (think "the blue dot on this otherwise plain white canvas is meant to show deep rooted depression" and crap like that).

[myself]

I feel like many of the steps in that process could be easily modernized without any drawbacks. But I guess the love he puts into every step is part of the deal

[UsaidKarbelkar]

What annoyed me the most was when he mentioned Queer and Trans people. Like bro where does that even come into the equation.

[Tzion]

What's the basis of Vincent's claim that queer and trans people have been at the center of art for all of human history? You can't just brush aside the total lack of evidence by saying "erasure". I get that this video isn't focused on that question, but that line shouldn't have made it into the final edit.

[jm]

I never even knew this a thing. Great video.

[sammichaels]

Would have been interesting to hear from an artisan who uses the product you did this video about

[evolancer]

I should have known but I didn't realize Koreans used ink stones as well. Great to see the difference between the Japanese and the Korean ink stone creation

[Raveena]

I love how these artisan and culture in general have created or keep alive crafts that are centuries old.