Article: Suzuka Sumi "1,300 Years in Ink"
Suzuka Sumi "1,300 Years in Ink"
The Story of Shinseido
— The Last Workshop
Suzuka Zumi is a traditional Japanese ink dating back to the early Heian period. It originated from fine pine soot once gathered in the Suzuka Mountains and carefully blended with animal-based glue.
Designated as a national traditional craft of Japan, Suzuka Zumi has seen the number of makers decline over time. Today, only one workshop remains — Shinseido in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture — preserving this centuries-old craft.
Known for the depth of its black and its refined tonal expression, it continues to be trusted by calligraphers and artists across Japan, holding a significant share of the domestic market.
The Ink Craftsman’s Medal
The making of Suzuka ink begins at 3 a.m. in the
Suzuka Zumi is made during the coldest months of winter. The day begins at 3 a.m.
Glue is slowly melted. Pine soot fills the workshop. With bare hands, the craftsman kneads the ink mixture until it reaches the perfect density.
The black stains that never fully fade from their hands are known as the “Ink Craftsman’s Medal.” They are a quiet testament to a life devoted to the craft — where the maker and the material become inseparable.
From start to finish, the process takes more than 100 days. Many pieces are then aged for years before they are ready. Each stick of ink is created to endure across generations.
The work begins at 3 a.m. in winter.
Glue made from animal bones and skins is gently heated for several hours. Without relying on thermometers or machines, the craftsman adjusts the consistency by experience alone, bringing it to the ideal viscosity.
Fine pine soot is added to the melted glue in a ratio of approximately 10:6 by weight.
The mixture is kneaded by hand for about ten minutes, using the full strength of the body, until it forms a smooth and dense ink mass known as an ink ball.
The kneaded ink ball is packed into a wooden mold.
It is pressed firmly with a vice for around 30 minutes, ensuring that the material spreads evenly into every detail. This process creates the distinctive patterns found on each piece of ink.
The freshly molded ink is removed and buried in slightly damp ash.
Over two to three months, moisture is slowly and evenly drawn out. This gradual drying prevents cracking and strengthens the structure of the ink.
After drying, the ash is brushed away and the surface is polished to achieve a soft sheen.
The pieces are then tied with straw and hung from the ceiling to mature naturally for one to three years. Only after this long period of aging is the ink considered complete.
The Bond Between Father and Son
— Guardians of the Last Workshop
Shinseido is sustained by a father-and-son partnership: Kidou Ito, the third-generation master, and Harunobu Ito, the fourth generation successor.
Harunobu once left home to pursue a career as a manga artist. Yet he returned, determined to carry forward a tradition that has endured for over 1,300 years.
Under his father’s guidance, he entered the demanding world of ink-making — a craft shaped by patience, discipline, and intuition refined through experience.
"Rather than being taught everything, you learn through failure — and discover the joy of success on your own."
— Kidou Ito, Third Generation
Under his father’s disciplined yet supportive guidance, Harunobu became the youngest certified traditional craftsman in the Tokai region in 2023.
“Making ink is a quiet battle with myself,” he says.
In his steady dedication lies the quiet pride of a craftsman preparing to carry the tradition into the next generation.
Beyond Black
— The Evolving Suzuka Zumi
The appeal of Suzuka Zumi lies in the depth of its black, its subtle natural fragrance, and the delicate balance between strength and softness in every stroke.
Yet for Shinseido, preserving tradition is only the beginning.
Evolving Tradition with the Spirit of “Shu-ha-ri”
Guided by the philosophy of “Shu-ha-ri” — mastering tradition before transcending it — Shinseido continues to innovate while honoring its roots.
Today, the workshop produces more than 150 variations, including shimmering blends and vibrant inks created with natural pigments. Their work extends beyond calligraphy, appearing in leather goods showcased at Paris Fashion Week and even in architectural applications.
“We want even those who do not practice calligraphy to experience Suzuka Zumi in their daily lives.”
In this way, their ink brings new expression to contemporary art and modern living.
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