Sumi-e: More than Painting, a Meditation in Japanese Ink

The Sumi-e technique is a true gem of Japanese art. It is a form of monochromatic painting that goes beyond the simple visual representation of an object, it seeks to capture its very essence! It is as if each brushstroke contained a little piece of the soul of the object.

This wonderful artistic expression, also known as Suiboku-ga , experienced its moment of splendor during the Muromachi period , which spanned from 1338 to 1573. It was a time in which masters such as Toyo Sesshu and Sesson Shukei stood out with their creations. Sesshu focused on thoroughly Japanese landscapes, while Shukei worked in the far northeast of the country, bringing his own visions of the environment to life.

 

The Art and Technique of Sumi-E Japanese Ink Painting / Ebook

The interesting thing is that this technique was practically like a ritual for highly disciplined monks. These monks entered into a rigorous program of mental and spiritual preparation to be able to meditate through painting. Imagine the level of concentration and simplicity they had to achieve!

The creative process was a ceremony in itself. First, the stone for the ink was prepared, then came the grinding of the sumi ink, then the brush (called fude) was loaded and finally, the stroke was made on rice paper or silk roll. Controlling the nuances of sumi ink was more complicated than painting with colors, it required exceptional skill!

Sumi-e is much more than a painting technique, it is a spiritual experience encapsulated in each brushstroke. It makes you feel as if you are somehow connected to the soul of what is represented. It is an art form that goes beyond the visual and invites you to deep contemplation. Really fascinating!

In the following video you can see how the sumi-e technique is used.