Why Japanese Calligraphy Ink Is So Expensive, So Expensive, Insider Business

Traditional Japanese calligraphy ink, referred to as sumi ink, comes in a solid form. It takes at least four years of production before these ink sticks can be sold, and even longer for the most expensive ones. A 200gram highgrade ink stick from a producer like Kobaien costs over 1, 000. And at some other retailers, prices can reach almost 2, 000. Meanwhile, almost double the amount of commercial India ink can go for as little as 9. Intro 0:00 Making and using soot 1:37 Melting animal glue 4:00 Kneading the ink dough 5:30 Drying the ink sticks 7:35 Using the ink sticks 9:15 Kobaien and inkmaking in Nara 10:46 MORE SO EXPENSIVE VIDEOS Why Bespoke Dress Shoes Are So Expensive, So Expensive, Insider Business Why Tyrian Purple Dye Is So Expensive, So Expensive, Insider Business Why Bellerby Globes Are So Expensive, So Expensive, Insider Business