Customer Reviews

Japanese Ink Painting: Lessons in Suiboku Technique

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This book is designed for beginners to learn the art of Suiboku; teaching about the tools used, the basics (inlcuding the four main traditional topics), and continuing with well-illustrated lessons. It even includes a bit of history. The book is well written, easy to understand, and does not 'talk down' to the reader.

While ink and wash painting did develop first in China in the seventh century, it was introduced to Japan by Zen Buddhist monks in the fourteenth century and evolved to differ somewhat from similar techniques in other parts of Asia (including those in China). Chinese ink and water is often more literal, depicting landscapes with realistic textures and details whereas Japanese ink and water emphasizes the soul rather than realism.

To seriousthinker, I appreciate your desire to set the record straight, but you are mistaken. Suiboku and Sumi-e are the pronunciations of the Japanese words for ink and water painting and Japanese ink and water painting does, indeed, exist. The techniques originated in China, but have evolved many characteristics unique to Japanese style just as watercolor painting in the west has evolved characteristics unique of watercolor painting as it originated in China. Yet, study of western watercolor painting would not accurately depict its origins in China just as study of Japanese ink and wash painting would not accurately depict its originis in China.

As for Nihonga, that is a very specific type of watercolor painting using colored mineral pigments called Iwa Enogu. It is yet another Japanese evolution of watercolor painting (which originated in China even before ink and wash painting). Yes, ink and wash painting originated in China, but Japanese ink and wash is not the same thing as Chinese ink and wash and the two should be studied as separate and unique. This book is a great place to start.

This is the best book out there on the market,originally published in 1959,this book has remained a classic.You will be taken on an intriguing journey led by Ryukyu Saito.If your a beginner or an expert this book will be not only be your teacher but your friend which will patiently guide you in the Suiboko Technique.

I think this book has some really good information for someone who wants to begin painting.
I'd would definitely recommend it.

"Japanese Ink-Painting" or "Sumie" is something that does not exist.

Suiboku is the Kanji pronunciation of two Chinese characters -- means water and ink. It's another name for Chinese National Painting --Guohwa.

The whole thing is Chinese.

Japanese painting is actually "Nihonga." It's very different from Chinese painting.

The title should be "Chinese Traditional Painting brought to you by Saito."