India Ink

India ink originated in China, but was named so by the fact that the pigment used in making it came from India. The pigment is lampblack, bone black, or carbon black. Traditionally, it is mixed with a hot hide glue in the proportions of 1 part pigment to 2 or 3 parts glue and dried into sticks. These are rubbed on stone and the particles mixed with water. When it is manufactured in liquid form and sold in bottles, the pigment is mixed with a little shellac which makes it water-resistant. This ink is considered quite lightfast. It is not to be confused with the inks made for many technical pens, many of which are not water-resistant and not lightfast. India ink can be used with pens or brushes.