And grind as you go: Fresh ink must be ground as it is to be used, for if ink is left for more than a day, the glue and soot gradually separate. The ink then becomes dull and lacks luster, and it cannot last long. Hence, writing with old ink easily fades. The ready-made inks sold on the market have some that are heavy with glue which hinders the brush, while others have too low a concentration, easily bleeding on paper. The excessive preservatives also damage the brush tip and are not suitable for use.
Qin Xiangnuan has, from the beginning of her calligraphy practice, always used an inkstone, adhering to pure calligraphy teaching. She didn't use ready-made ink, including when she wrote Spring Festival couplets; she always ground her own ink. She has been grinding ink for nine years, nearly ten now.
