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Geisha and Courtesan: Culture
Tools for Painting
The objects shown below are examples of traditional tools for painting common to Japan and also throughout East Asia. Unlike Western oil painting, the Japanese style uses rich black inks and vibrant pigments to create works of art. The black ink itself is a mixture of soot, glues and other ingredients compressed into a small block. To create the liquid ink, one must grind the ink cake with a little water onto an ink stone. With a gentle circular gesture and some patience, the ink will soon be reconstituted and ready for use. The brush is usually made with animal hair and is bound in such a way that when wet, it creates a perfect tip for painting. The brush shown here is for travel and includes an external protective carrying case that features an inkwell with a lid for added convenience. Traditionally there are two types of surfaces on which to paint: rice paper and prepared silk. Once a painting is finished the artist may choose to compose a poem or phrase about the painting , then sign and date it, and finally add his/her seals. The seal acts like a signature and identifies the artist. Seals are most often carved in stone or wood, but they can be cast in metal as well. Traditionally seals are printed using a special red ink and placed in the corners of paintings. Once the seals have been placed, the paintings are finished.
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