KuretakeSAIBOKU SHIMBI 12 Colors and 2 Black Sumi Ink Stick Set, Japanese Traditional Calligraphy, Shodo, for Drawing, Professional, Made in Japan

After watching several You Tube videos featuring these Japanese inks, I had to have a set. They are a bit expensive but the enjoyment I am experiencing with them makes them seem worth the price. The packaging is exquisite, and removing each lovely ink stick from its bamboo box and delicate rice-paper wrapping is most satisfying. Grinding the inks one at a time, and marveling at their intensity is oddly calming and exciting at the same time. These act similarly to watercolors, but they are quite waterproof when dry, so the techniques will vary. I was a bit nervous knowing they would be shipped from Japan, but they arrived in pristine condition and faster than expected. Very happy with my purchase!

The color selection is quite versatile and mixes with ease. The colors produce little to no separation after blending, regardless of whether the blending occurs on paper or on the palette prior to application.Also, the mini boxes were a good packaging choice to protect each stick and very much appreciated. I was looking to experiment more with ink as a medium and was not disappointed. I would definitely recommend the set.

I think this is a great birthday present for an artist , the only thing though is that since its so expensive I haven’t used it much

Luxurious set of ink sticks. Very high quality pigment. The paulownia wood boxes make each separate pigment feel special, like each one is a little treasure.The two black sticks are different pigments (one cooler, one warmer) which is apparent when you use them on paper.

There are some art supplies that are just a joy to work with, aside from what you can do with them. Using this set is an experience in itself, whatever you are doing with it. I think some calligraphers regard it as being as much meditation as craft, and the quality of the materials definitely feeds into that meditative aspect. I did not initially realize that the set was by Kuretake, which is quite a known name in Japanese art supplies. I used to use their brush pens in the past.The set is exceedingly decorous. The box is beautiful and all the parts are cushioned in foam as to avoid breakage. The ink blocks are individually packaged in wooden boxes. This is my first experience with ink stones, and I don't claim to be an expert in Japanese calligraphy by any means. I am an artist, but not a calligrapher.To test it, I used one of my regular watercolor brushes because I don't have any specifically Japanese calligraphy brushes. Using one of those would, I assume, be better. I ground the ink stick into the stone as the instructions stated, and then used the ink to brush a Japanese character and some random doodles. The red has a tiny touch of magenta to it, which is not a favored hue of red for me but that did seem to improve upon the ink drying. Improvement being totally subjective here.Now, this is an expensive set. If you heavily specialize in Asian calligraphy, such a set might be well worth your while to get. If you are just looking to get started in it, this would be a pretty large investment for someone just getting into it. Yes, these materials are an absolute joy to work with, luxurious almost - but really they are meant for calligraphy specialists. For beginner and intermediate calligraphers, there are more affordable options.I have to admit though, even as an artist and not a calligrapher, these art supplies put a smile on my face, so there's that.

This is a beautiful set. You are paying for quality. The pigments are vibrant, and these will last a long time.

I am thoroughly impressed with the Kuretake SAIBOKU SHIMBI Inkstone Set. The quality of the sumi ink sticks is superb—deep, rich black ink that flows smoothly. The glass inkstone is a beautiful addition, ensuring an even grind for the ink. This set is perfect for calligraphy, drawing, and painting. The three colors of ink sticks are vibrant and make my work come to life. Highly recommend for anyone looking to invest in quality traditional calligraphy tools!

Very very small compared to other ink sticks. Definitely not worth the price.