What is Suibokuga?

Suibokuga (Japanese ink wash painting) is a style of monochrome painting characterized by the use of just two things, black ink (sumi) and water. Deceptively simple, Japanese ink painting artists make use of these two seemingly mundane materials to create a complex world of light, form, and even texture. Sumi-e which translates to black ink painting is also another name it is known by. 

The Tools of the Trade

The suibokuga brush (also used in Japanese Calligraphy) is often made with bamboo and various types of animal hair, including wolf, rabbit, and sheep. A very high-quality brush may be made of weasel fur, which is strong and lightweight. The ink stick is made of soot from pine or oil and mixed with animal-based glue. Ink stones (suzuri) are slabs of stone that are detailed with carved designs and usually carved out of stone but can also be made of clay, metal, porcelain, or plastic. In Japan, paper such as washi and hanshi, among other types of paper, is used. The water is used to lighten the ink to create different shades, known as ‘noutan’ in Japanese. Using delicate brushwork, the artist creates textures, like ‘Kasure’ (scratchiness), and forms, such as ‘Nijimi’ (blur). Many different kind of papers  are used in Japanese ink paintings such as illustration boards, watercolor papers, rice papers, and bristol papers. Drawing paper and canvas are considered unacceptable surfaces.

Origins in China

Originating in China, Zen Buddhist monks first introduced ink painting to Japan in the 14th century. Chinese ink painting is a style of monochromatic ink painting that uses a brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. Called the Four Treasures of Study in Chinese, these tools form the basis for both Chinese painting and calligraphy. The organization and structure of the original Chinese ink painting are based on the Daoist concept of yin and yang; the contrast between light and dark, fast and slow strokes, and curved and straight strokes is an important aspect of the painting. There is a focus on depicting the essence of subjects, not the external appearance. Paintings often focus on nature; landscapes, plants, and animals are common subjects of the paintings. If people are included in the painting, they are usually small and not the center of focus. Chinese ink painting often does not use one single source of light, but rather multiple sources of light which can depict the essence of movement within a painting. Multiple points of perspective (no vanishing point) within the painting also allow painters to incorporate many different elements of the same object into one detailed painting; this is called the “Angle of Totality” in Chinese. A painter may use clouds between different parts of a landscape to incorporate different angles of the same mountain. Paintings were used to express the hidden realities of surface appearances. Chinese artistic expression is distinguished by its creations on paper and silk using brushes saturated in black or colored ink. Conversely, Japanese art exhibits a diverse range, encompassing wood and bronze sculptures, ancient pottery, silk and paper ink paintings, oil paintings, calligraphy, and more.

Transition to Japan

The very first ink paintings that were introduced to Japan were in the traditional Chinese styles, featuring poems and paintings. However over time, Japanese artists created their own distinct styles, leading to the development of what we have today. Arguably the most famous of these artists is Sesshu Toyo. A Zen Buddhist priest, Toyo studied the paintings of the Song and Yuan Dynasties in China before bringing suibokuga to Japan. Toyo is said to be the painter who transcended Chinese painting and created a new style of Japanese painting. His solid compositions and excellent sense of color in light colors are considered to be the pinnacle of ink and wash painting in Japan. His works have a strong influence on future generations of painters and are the primary reason why suibokuga flourished in the Muromachi Period. His most famous works are Haboku-Sansui and Sansui Chokan. 

The Japanese Ink Wash technique, known as sumi-e or black ink painting, is a distinctive painting method utilizing black ink in water at different concentrations, resulting in a semi-transparent wash. This technique captures the essence of subjects through nuanced gradations of black ink. Additionally, Japanese art encompasses various styles, with four notable types being prevalent today. These include Ink Calligraphy, characterized by expressive brushwork in written characters; Sumi-E, a traditional ink painting technique; Ukiyo-e, famous for its woodblock prints; and Nihonga, which represents modern Japanese-style painting. These art styles continue to hold significance in contemporary Japanese artistic expression.

The Origins of the Kano School of Painting

Influenced by Toyo and the Chinese styles of painting, Kano Masanobu combined elements of Yamato-e (Japan’s original style of painting said to have existed from the 8th century)  with the Chinese styles to create a distinctly Japanese style. This was the beginning of a style known as the Kano School of painting, which went on to be the dominant trend in modern Japanese painting from the Edo period to the Meiji period. Compared to contemporary Western styles that incorporate realistic techniques, single sources of light, and a vanishing point (single-point perspective), Japanese ink paintings offered a distinct and unique look that stands out from other art styles. 

Philosophies of Zen Buddhism

Suibokuga is strongly influenced by the philosophies of Zen Buddhism, as the Zen monks who came to Japan in the latter half of the Heian period (794-1185) created the ground for the development of ink painting in Japan. 

The influence of Zen Buddhism can be seen in the painting style’s emphasis on simplicity, spontaneity, self-expression, and appreciation for nature. A major part of suibokuga are the terms wabi and sabi, concepts derived from Buddhist teachings that represents the Japanese appreciation for all things natural, imperfect, impermanent, aging, and incomplete. Wabi evokes raw and natural beauty, simplicity, and, by philosophical extension, the contemplation of emptiness and impermanence. The artist expresses this by bringing out the most essential colors, textures, and forms, as can be seen in all suibokuga paintings. Sabi connotes the type of beauty that emerges with the passing of time. It speaks to the emotions that invoke further beauty in the art. The concepts together make up a major part of what makes suibokuga so beautiful and elusive.

Suibokuga artists consider the process of grinding the ink stick as a form of meditation, used to empty the mind and prepare it for the artistic process. Both the earthy scent of the sumi and the repetitive action of grinding the inkstone help calm and empty the mind. 

Suibokuga in Modern Day

Although suibokuga is not seen as often in modern day, it was the original style of painting adopted in Japan, and would eventually be the starting point in all traditional Japanese art. In contemporary Suibokuga, artists embrace a fusion of traditional techniques and innovative expressions, reflecting the ongoing dialogue between heritage and modernity. The essence of Suibokuga lies in its ability to convey profound emotions and concepts with minimalistic strokes, often exploring themes of nature, spirituality, and introspection. In 2023, artists further push the boundaries of this art form by experimenting with unconventional materials, adopting digital tools, and engaging in cross-cultural dialogues. Suibokuga remains a dynamic and evolving medium, a testament to its enduring relevance and the enduring spirit of creativity in the ever-changing landscape of the art world.

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