Shoen ink deepens in its blue hue with age. This item is a masterpiece of Shoen Seiboku, a blend of pine soot and blue ink. Because it is aged, the blue color is even deeper and more vivid. The soot of Shoen does not undergo high temperatures during combustion, so the soot particles aggregate into large clumps. The larger the particles, the more they change to a blue hue over time. Aged ink, having dried over the years, has good flow due to the decomposition of the glue, and the ink color takes on a three-dimensional quality. Also, the changes in ink color, such as the base lines and blurring, become beautiful when using a brush. Even when grinding the ink, the soot particles do not align, resulting in a wide range of depth and transparency in the ink color. The deep, calm ink color has a wide range of gradations, from a matte, thick black to a transparent, pale color. Shoen Seiboku is also suitable for "Kana classical calligraphy" and other similar works. When used with light ink, it allows for expressions with depth and profoundness. It is also ideal for light ink works such as ink wash painting, haiga (haiku paintings), and etegami (illustrated letters). This item is priced at 12,600 yen (including 5% tax). Size: Approx. 108 x 35 x 11 mm, approx. 69g Outer packaging size: 143 x 57 x 23 mm * New, unused, in a paulownia wood box. The photo is of the actual item. Shodo/Shuji supplies: Suzuri (ink stone), ink, brushes, calligraphy set