CHINA INK Meaning and
Definition
-
China ink, also known as Indian ink or India ink, is a black ink commonly used in artistic and calligraphic practices. It is traditionally made by suspending finely ground carbon black pigment in water, mixed with a binding agent such as gum arabic or shellac, and often contains other additives for greater fluidity and durability. The term "china ink" is derived from the use of Asian materials and techniques in production and application.
China ink is highly valued for its rich, opaque black color, which allows for strong contrast and bold lines in drawings, paintings, and writing. It has been used for centuries in various artistic traditions, including East Asian brush painting and calligraphy, Western pen and ink illustration, and tattoo artistry.
Due to its archival quality and resistance to fading, china ink is favored by artists and conservationists alike. It is known for its permanence on various surfaces, including paper, silk, and ceramics. Additionally, it is water-soluble, allowing for different tonal effects and gradations when diluted with water or other additives.
In contemporary usage, china ink can also refer to commercially produced black ink pens and markers that mimic the traditional ink's qualities. These modern variants often feature refillable cartridges and are popular among artists, designers, and writers for their versatility and ease of use.
Common Misspellings for CHINA INK
- xhina ink
- vhina ink
- fhina ink
- dhina ink
- cgina ink
- cbina ink
- cnina ink
- cjina ink
- cuina ink
- cyina ink
- chuna ink
- chjna ink
- chkna ink
- chona ink
- ch9na ink
- ch8na ink
- chiba ink
- chima ink
- chija ink
- chiha ink
Etymology of CHINA INK
The word "china ink" derives from the French term "encre de Chine". In French, "encre" means ink, and "de Chine" translates to "from China". The name emerged from the widespread use of this type of ink in traditional Asian art and calligraphy, which became synonymous with ink from China. The name stuck even though the ink is not exclusively produced in China but was also made in other East Asian countries.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
