Why Japanese Calligraphy Ink Is So Expensive | So Expensive | Insider Business

Traditional Japanese calligraphy ink, referred to as sumi ink, comes in a solid form. It takes at least four years of production before these ink sticks can be sold, and even longer for the most expensive ones. A 200-gram high-grade ink stick from a producer like Kobaien costs over $1,000. And at some other retailers, prices can reach almost $2,000. Meanwhile, almost double the amount of commercial India ink can go for as little as $9.

Editor's Note: The original version of this video incorrectly named the featured calligrapher as Shijo Azakami. His correct name is Sho Azakami. The original video incorrectly stated that monkey glue was used to make ink sticks, the correct type is donkey glue.

Intro 0:00
Making and using soot 1:37
Melting animal glue 4:00
Kneading the ink dough 5:30
Drying the ink sticks 7:35
Using the ink sticks 9:15
Kobaien and inkmaking in Nara 10:46

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Why Japanese Calligraphy Ink Is So Expensive | So Expensive | Insider Business

[fahimir]

It never seizes to astonish me how the Japanese are determined to preserve their traditions by not taking the easy way out.

[roonn]

Can’t believe this Kobayen guy has lived for 450 years making ink for us. Absolute king.

[ray-antraya]

The cameraman stayed with this Kobayen guy for 450 years making the ink from start to finish. Kudos to both

[schatzi]

"Even if it causes us to lose money, I believe continuing this process is our company's highest priority."

There's something so beautiful about that kind of passion and care for your craft. There's so much love there in that sentence, almost as if the art and the ink was a living and breathing person.

[JonnyBarrett]

Shout out to the cinematographer for making the most of that light - the soot collection scenes were amazing - beautifully shot

[jonatanwestholm]

For every craft in the world, no matter how mundane, there is a Japanese person who has elevated it to the highest art. Massive respect

[peternotgriffin]

One thing I absolutely love about Japanese people is that whatever they do they do it with absolute passion, their love for their work is just wonderful no wonder they are far ahead of us .

[tcat]

My aunt was an accomplished calligrapher and I spent hours by her side when I was a child grinding huge 100yr old inksticks like ones shown on the video on 500yr old inkstones. It was a huge honor to be given the task as all my relatives were intensely jealous of me and nearly half a century later I have only begun to understand the extent of how meaningful it was. The aroma which filled the room is forever engraved into my being for life. It truly was a zen experience that cannot be fully described nor explained by my limited mind.

[baba-of-legend]

I love the recognition of these people as artisans in this video. Often times production videos like this underappreciate the labor that goes into making these products.

[fireraya]

Wow, how much effort it must be to produce these ink sticks! I really admire the process. Thank you for presenting this to us

[robinlee]

This ink-making process is truly fascinating.

[ichi-japan]

In the 500-year history of Kobaien's ink production, Japanese society has gone through very significant social changes, from the feudalistic system of the samurai to the great reforms in Meiji era, World War I and World War II. 

The story of sumi ink manufacturing and their philosophy of craftsmanship that has been preserved in such circumstances is very interesting and valuable. Everyone is welcome to visit the Koubaien in Nara.

We, Ichi inc, Japan, have been sending out information about Kobaien's ink production for several years now. We are very happy to have been featured in this way.

[johnnymac]

I so admire the Japanese culture for their attention to detail, dedication to craftsmanship, and honorable approach to life and business. When the man said he would rather focus on quality and tradition even if it will cause them to lose money my desire to visit Japan doubled!

[hohenstaufen.]

1000% respect for the craftsmanship and their legacy.

[bryans]

Wow. I never knew how much went into making this. Such dedication and how cool.

[MentalSmarties]

It’s just mind boggling how human beings just figure all of this stuff out and solidify the process over the span of centuries. Incredible!

[kitsunelee]

I've had the privilege of working with high quality sumi ink stones before and it truly is an experience that cannot be easily put into words if you are a calligraphy lover/practice calligraphy, love traditional Japanese traditions, love art, or love ink. There honestly isn't anything comparable with the whole process of rubbing an ink stick on the ink stone and the feeling of calm and transcendence while working with the materials.

[quietman]

I wouldn’t have the patience to light the lamps let alone finish the entire process of ink making. Much respect to these guys

[nemesis]

Japan is never stops to amaze me... It is crazy how dedicate they are. A lot to learn from them.

[mylesisthename]

I just love these types of handmade items that the Japanese create as a art and a traditional item.