Yasutomo Black Sumi Ink (Bokuju) 12 oz.

This is the ink I use in the Comics classes I teach. It's economical, and it is pretty much waterproof when dry so you can use water color with it. You can't do a big wash of yellow over a black area, but if you stay within the inked lines you won't get any bleeding. I've used this ink for years. It doesn't contain a lot of glue or shellac like binders so it doesn't gum up my brushes the way Higgins or other india ink can, even with the best of washing practices.

Outstanding product; real quality ink for Sumi-e

If one is to believe the manufacturer -and I strongly advise you to do so- this ink is drawing hemlock: toxic to inhale, poisonous to taste, irritant to the skin, and unlike indian ink, not waterproof nor slow to dry. On its plus side, the stuff is black as night, and flows through the pen nib like silk between your fingers, producing the thinnest hairlines or the thickest strokes desired. Buy it in small bottles, or get an inkwell and fill it regularly. Ventilate your studio while using it, and clean your pen or brush thoroughly after use, for once solidified, it cakes into lumps quite difficult to remove.

The green bottle Yasutomo Sumi is by far my favorite dip pen ink. I have yet to experience(what I consider) a blacker black and I've used a bunch of 'em. It actually seems to have a texture to it. It dries semi-glossy and flows nicely. To be honest, I'm not sure what's in it that sets it apart. One thing I'd add is that I've never watered it down, so I can't comment on washes. For me, it's my goto high contrast ink, and it doesn't seem to 'gunk' up as much as other heavy black inks. I too have never noticed the 'toxicity' that other reviewers have mentioned. If anyone has any info, I'd appreciate the feedback as I've been using it for years.

This ink does not flow extremely well from a pen nib, but flows amazingly from a brush. It's nice and dark and performs like typical Sumi ink. It contains a small amount of shellac to help with water resistance, and I recommend mixing the ink before use. This ink does contain camphor, calcium chloride, and isothiazolinone. I have never had an issue with camphor and use camphor in topical creams in granule form. Isothiazolinones can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. I am not one of them. I have had no issues with using this ink indoors and have had no adverse reaction from it coming in contact with my skin. Calcium chloride can dry out your skin or cause burns in the mouth or esophagus. So don't drink the ink, I guess.

I use my sumi ink in my MUJI fountain pen. I replenish my cartridge with half water and half sumi ink for easier flow. This ink is pretty thick but i love to write with it. Makes taking notes and doing homework much more satisfying.

I've been using this ink for calligraphy for a number of years now. I've tried lots of others, but this one is the best for excellent consistency in flow, color, and sharpness of line. Great stuff.

This is the first time I purchased sumo ink. My current ink that I used was running low for my pointed pen so I poured this into my dip pen jar. It looked thinner than my previous ink, but it wasn't runny when use do properly. It dried fairly quickly and was very pigmented. When dried there's a slight shine to it. I would buy this again but who knows when that will be. I write fairly often but this jar is so large it will last me at least a year, probably more. I would recommend. Also, I really like the jar. I'm a sucker for packaging.

GORGEOUS & creamy, the most blackest of BLACK ink that lays thick with one stroke on the paper. Top quality ink.

Beautiful and rich true black with a gorgeous sheen. Provides crisp lines of varying width if needed. Highly recommended.

The item came on time and as described. Happy with purchase