Sumi-e or Suiboku ("墨絵"; also "水墨画" suibokuga) is a form of ink painting developed, from the practice of Japanese and Chinese calligraphy (shodo), by the Chinese during the Sung dynasty (960-1274). Suiboku was introduced to Japan in the mid-14th century, by Zen Buddhist monks, and grew in popularity until its peak during the Muromachi period (1338-1573). Sumi-e literally means "ink pictures"; suibokuga means "water ink pictures." Only black ink -- the same as used in calligraphy -- in various concentrations is used.

In sumi-e, as in calligraphy, the artist normally grinds her own ink using an ink stick and a grinding stone, but prepared inks are also available. Ink sticks are of higher quality and are generally preferred for works that will be displayed; prepared inks are useful for practice. Ink sticks are generally made of densely packed charcoal ash from bamboo or pine. The artist puts a few drops of water on the inkstone and grinds the ink stick in a circular motion until a smooth, black ink is made of the desired concentration.

A tsuketate (付立) is a type of brush used for sumi-e. Sumi-e brushes, most of which are the same as those used in calligraphy, are traditionally made from bamboo and goat, ox, horse, or wolf hair. The hair is tapered down to a very fine point, a feature vital to the sumi-e painting style.

There are four main types of brush strokes to learn in sumi-e; they are called the "Four Gentlemen," the nickname of the four plants the strokes are used in painting: the Bamboo Stroke, the Wild Orchid Stroke, the Chrysanthemum Stroke, and the Plum Branch Stroke. The strokes used to paint these four plants are the basis for everything painted in sumi-e.

Notable artists

• Josetsu
• Shubun

Prominent suiboku artists of the Muromachi period include:

• Oguri Sôkei
• Oguri Sôtan
• Sesshu Toyo
• Tenshô Shûbun