Suzuka Zumi

Deep, refined black

Suzuka ink gives a refined, deep colour, with lines and soft bleeding in fine harmony. It is made from soot of pine or of plant oils such as rapeseed, sesame or camellia, bound with animal glue called nikawa. It is made in Suzuka in Mie.

A winter craft

• Nikawa glue is melted and kneaded with soot. Ink is made only from October to April, because in summer the glue spoils and will not set.
• The mix changes daily with humidity and temperature, so makers rely on experience rather than a manual.
• The ink is pressed into shape and slowly dried.
• It is polished with clam shells and decorated.

Pine soot from the mountains

Suzuka ink is said to have begun in the early Heian period, when pine from the Suzuka mountains was burned for soot and set with glue. In the Edo period, as family crests were fixed and terakoya schools spread, demand for ink grew, and with the lords' protection Suzuka's output rose.