Sumi-e Kit [Hardcover]

Shingo Syoko (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2002 | Series: Make Your Mark

Sumi-e is the timeless art of Japanese brush painting. Sumi-e works are typically made up of just a few brushstrokes, but the graceful birds, fish, and plant life they depict seem to move on the page. This portable kit contains all the materials youll need to get started, plus an instructional booklet covering the history of sumi-e and step-by-step techniques to master the four basic strokes necessary to complete any painting.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books; Book and Access edition (March 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811834387
• ISBN-13: 978-0811834384
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 8.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,169,290 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Illustrated examples disappointing; supplies okay, August 13, 2003

By 

windhorse (Harrisonburg, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sumi-e Kit (Hardcover)

Don't buy this book because of its cover illustrations. I did and was disappointed that there were no lessons or illustrations in the book for the bird painting or the fish on the cover.
Incidentally, the illustrations in the book are poor. I suppose the directions for painting are okay, but the point of example and illustration is to inspire the artist to want to paint beautifully.
The supplies (3 brushes, ink stone, ink sticks and paper) in the kit seem okay but I was so disappointed in the book I am returning it without using the supplies.
In my opinion, Ning Yeh's book Chinese Painting: An Instructional Guide, is much better and has all the subjects and more. Sumi-e is based on Chinese brush painting so the styles are much the same.
If you are looking for a kit that has everything you need and you just want to try Chinese brush/Sumi-e, the kit I first used was Chinese Brush Painting (masterclass) by Pauline Cherrett. If you decide you are serious about brush painting get Ning Yeh's book (or books) and visit his website:

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars give this one a pass, February 24, 2004

By 

w.f.macdonald (halifax, nova scotia Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sumi-e Kit (Hardcover)

I agree with Ann. I have been teaching and practicing this artform for a number of years and purchase most books I find on the topic. This one is among the worst. There are no clear instructions, very poor quality equipment, and I suspect if this was a person's first introduction to brush painting it would be their last. Instead, see Ning Yeh for the very best instruction manuals and videos, along with some very good introductions by Pauline Charrett, Susan Frame, Jane Evans and Nan Rae. The best brushes and authentic chip colours can be ordered from Ning Yeh at AOS, and the best paper, ink and stones, along with high quality brushes from Acornplanet.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Really a good starter book and kit, September 29, 2009

By 

Stephen R. Lucas "preceptor" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sumi-e Kit (Hardcover)

This book contains the basics in supplies including three brushes, a ink stone, stick of sumi-e ink in both red and black and a book. The illustrations are good. It does not totally explain all aspects of the art form. You would need several books to do that. But, if you just want to explore the art form without spending a lot of money this kit will do the trick. I bought mine used from Amazon and it came to me and was new and still in its wrapper. Could not beat the price. I still use the ink and stone in my art classes.

It will get you started.

Steve Lucas