Sinseido

Japanese black ink has been in wide use for writing, drawing, and painting since the ancient times in Japan. It is obtained by rubbing a stick of dry watercolor called "sumi" upon the surface of a stone vessel called "suzuri(硯)". The ink of sumi is a kind of colloidal suspension and the stability of suspension is maintained by means of gelatinous matter.
The manufacture of sumi in Suzuka area reportedly dates back to the 8th century. In the Edo era (1600～1867), the production increased greatly. Today, Suzuka ranks with Nara as the most famous and important production center of sumi in Japan.