clockwise from bottom left corner: Ink Knives, Red Sumi (ink), Akua Kolor Needle Applicator, Mica, Akua Kolor Ink, Bokuju in three different sizes, Akua Intaglio Ink, Cuppers, Nori
In the center: Akua Kolor Pen, Palette Knives on top of Tosai's Pigment Set
The inks we carry are formulated for different uses. Here is a quick guide:
For Moku Hanga Printmakers
Printmakers practicing the Japanese style of printmaking can choose from several different inks and paints.
Tosai's Pigment Set is a collection of gouache made by the Holbein company in Japan. The colors chosen for this set are often seen and used in Japanese prints.
Kaimei Bokuju is the liquid form of black sumi sticks of ink and it is the traditional black ink used in Moku Hanga printmaking. Red Sumi is used to print your personal seal from the wood block onto the paper.
Akua Kolor ink works very well for Moku Hanga. The ink has a lot of body and it is heavily pigmented for intense color. It also has a very long working time before it begins to dry, giving the printmaker more time to spread the ink and pull the print.
Nori is necessary for adding body to Kaimei Bokuju, Red Sumi and the paints in Tosai's Pigment Set so the ink will spread out smoothly on the block and print evenly. It is not so necessary with Akua Kolor inks, but it is good to have Nori on hand just in case.
For Woodcut, Engraving, Linoleum and Solarplate Printmakers
Western-style relief printmakers apply ink to the block with brayers. Akua Intaglio ink is popular with many of them since it can be rolled out right out of the jar. Akua Kolor ink can also be used if it is either thickened with Tack Thickener or left out overnight to air dry so it is thick enough to adhere to the brayer.
Akua Intaglio also works well with Solarplates printed as either relief or intaglio prints.
For Monotype Printmakers
Akua Kolor ink was developed specifically for monotype printmaking. What makes it ideal are the long working time, intense colors and not-too-thin, not-too-thick consistency. Add the quick clean up and the fact that it prints best on dry paper and you have a great monotype ink.
Use Akua Kolor in Needle Applicators and Pens to add unique marks to your prints.
Special Tools and Supplies
An ink knife needs to be both springy and stiff enough to work the ink easily. Our Ink Knives do just that, especially with oil-based ink. Some people prefer the smaller blade and more supple feel of Palette Knives. If you use water-based ink, then either Ink or Palette Knives will work for you.
Cuppers are the Japanese version of air-tight sealing Tupperware®, but unlike most containers, they are low, with straight sides and a flat bottom making them the least likely of any container to tip over. They also stack easily.
Moku Hanga printmakers use Konaunmo (powdered mica) to give a slight shimmer to the ink.
The Palette provides a great way to mix and store Akua Kolor ink for future use.
For more information about these inks, please go to Product Information and look under "Ink."