Kuretake Sumi Calligraphy & Comic Ink - 60 ml Bottle - Black Review (2026)

Made for two disciplines at once

Kuretake markets this ink for both calligraphy and comic or manga inking, a dual purpose that comes from using the same high-quality sumi ink base traditionally made from ground ink sticks, now offered in a more convenient bottled form. That dual rating means the same bottle can serve a calligrapher practicing brush characters and an illustrator inking comic panels or manga linework, without needing separate inks for each discipline. For anyone splitting time between brush lettering and illustration, that overlap reduces the number of different black inks needed on a desk. Kuretake has built much of its reputation as a stationery maker on sumi ink expertise, which carries through into this bottled formula.

A wide-mouth bottle for easy dipping

The ink ships in a 60ml bottle with a wide mouth, designed to accommodate brushes and dip pens of varying sizes without the narrow-neck struggle some standard ink bottles present. A wider opening makes it easier to load a larger calligraphy brush fully without scraping bristles against a narrow bottle rim, and it also simplifies dipping a dip pen nib cleanly. This kind of bottle design is a small but meaningful convenience for anyone working through many dips in a single sitting, such as during an extended practice or inking session.

Glossy, vivid black once dry

On paper, this ink dries quickly to a glossy finish with a vivid, pure black color, which reads well both in person and when scanned or photographed for digital use, a relevant quality for illustrators preparing comic pages for print or online publishing. The ink is also described as producing waterproof marks once dry and as smudge-proof against alcohol-based markers, a useful property for comic and manga artists who commonly add alcohol marker coloring over inked linework without disturbing the black lines underneath. That combination of a glossy finish and smudge resistance is part of why this ink shows up often in supply lists aimed specifically at comic and manga students rather than fine art calligraphy alone.

Bottle size for regular use

At 60ml, this bottle sits in a middle range, larger than many small calligraphy ink bottles but smaller than the bulk sumi ink bottles aimed at daily students doing large brush characters. For occasional calligraphy practice, comic inking sessions or moderate regular use, 60ml is a reasonable supply that will last a good while before needing replacement. Students doing large-format brush calligraphy every day, where big characters use noticeably more ink per stroke, may find themselves working through a 60ml bottle faster and could prefer a larger bulk option instead. Keeping the bottle capped tightly between sessions also helps the ink stay at a consistent, easy-to-dip consistency for longer.

Who this ink suits

This is a solid choice for calligraphers and illustrators who want one dependable black ink that works across brush lettering, dip pen calligraphy and comic or manga inking, particularly for anyone who values quick drying, a glossy vivid finish and compatibility with alcohol marker coloring layered on top. Buyers whose main use is large-scale daily brush calligraphy practice, where ink consumption is highest, should weigh the 60ml size against larger bulk sumi ink options if frequent reordering becomes a hassle. For most students and hobbyists splitting time between lettering and illustration, though, one bottle covering both uses is a convenient way to simplify a supply list.

Frequently asked questions