Photomicrographs of Ink Sticks

In depth object analysis of ink sticks from the Art Materials Research and Study Center completed in conjunction with my project titled Indian Ink? Chinese Ink Sticks (墨) Reinterpreted in Nineteenth-Century Britain. Explore by clicking on each ink stick micrograph!

(1) Wang Jin Sheng (汪近圣), Chinese Ink Stick, Qing Dynasty, from the Charles Roberson & Co. Presentation Box for the Department of Science and Art, 1855-1899, Art Materials Research and Study Center, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

(2) Chinese Ink Stick from the George Rowney & Co. Color Box, 1854-1884, Art Materials Research and Study Center, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

(3) Chinese Ink Stick from the George Rowney & Co. Artists’ Colourmen Color Box, 1862-1881, Art Materials Research and Study Center, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

(4) Chinese Ink Stick from the W.J. Reeves & Sons Color Box, 1818-1829, Art Materials Research and Study Center, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

(5) Kobaien Sumi Stick from the Yasutomo Sumi-Ink set, late 1900s - early 2000s, Art Materials Research and Study Center, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

(6) Chinese Ink Stick, mid-late 1900s, from the Shanghai Museum of Art Souvenir Box, Zora Pinney’s Brush Collection, Art Materials Research and Study Center, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.