Chinese ink
An INK of
considerable antiquity, made from lampblack or
soot obtained by burning vegetable oils, such as
sesame or wood (tung oil). The quality of the oil
is of major importance in this type of ink. The
collected soot is sifted; heated along with white,
transparent oxhide, or fish glue; and pounded in a
mortar until it is soft and pliable and can be
molded into sticks. This type of ink, having a
base of carbon, is very stable when properly
prepared, and, not having acidity, has no harmful
effects on paper; however, it is easily affected
by water. (130 , 143 )
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