Help! Grinding Japanese Ink?

Question

I am having trouble grinding the ink. It takes FOREVER on the grinding stone and still never gets darker. I have been doing it several different ways- like in circles or different water, force... nothing is working and I cant go buy another set. Any suggestions for making it work?

Answer 1

Start with very little water, then grind your ink. It may be that you are diluting the ink too much.

Here's a link on how to grind your ink:

http://www.theartofcalligraphy.com/ink-s...

Answer 2

Follow the previous suggestion.  I use it occasionally for calligraphy, but I agree it takes an awful long time.  The time should, strictly speaking, be used as a period of meditation (if you're looking from a Zen perspective).