Moon Palace Sumi Ink

This is the best of the sumi inks. Some people don't like its fragrance, but I find it pleasant.

I like Moon Palace Sumi because it dries waterproof which is a plus for envelope address. I also like that it dries with a slight sheen. The 6 oz bottle has a spout, which makes transferring ink from bottle to dappen dish easy. The smaller sizes John Neal sells already come in wide mouth jars.

Moon Palace is my favorite of all the sumi inks that I have tried.

With Moon Palace, I am able to scrape off small mistakes easily.

If not using gouache, Moon Palace Sumi my go to ink.

I find this ink a bit too heavy when using it straight, so I always add a few drops of water, and it then works just fine. It is also relatively forgiving, so if you make a small mistake you can usually remove it with a sharp blade.

I don't love Moon Palace for broad pen; it's too thick. I prefer Kuretake Sumi. For pointed, however, Moon Palace is great.

Love that I can use Moon Palace Sumi in Pilot Parallel Pens, and it isn't corrosive! I really love this ink.

On the good list: Moon Palace Sumi is black even after diluting for better flow. On the bad list: Constant need to clean nib--I only use it with pointed and Mitchell nibs now (easier to clean). Good list: what it does with sink art and suminigashi. Bad list: strong smell in enclosed spaces. Good list: how permanent it is (unless you scrape it off). Bad list: how permanent it is (spilled on my desk.)

Reliable. Moon Palace Sumi is my go-to ink. After several jobs that require mixed gouache, I always love 'coming home' to Moon Palace.