Learn Calligraphy
The Pen
|
HistoryHistory of Writing |
ShoppingCalligraphy Shop UK
|
Links
Link to Me
|
ContactContact Us |
Calligraphy ForumA place to discuss your calligraphy experiences |
Site Updated: 25 May, 2010 |
© 2000-
| ||||
Ink and how it is made
MAKING INK
Early writing inks were made in a similar way. One of the most common of the early
inks was lampblack, which combines the ash from burning a fatty candle with gum,
or glue and water. The ink has little colour when first applied to the surface but,
as it dries, it oxidises on contact with air and darkens to a deep, purple-y, black.
Carbon is chemically inert and does not fade in sunlight making the ink almost permanent.
Another ink of old was iron-gall ink, which is made from gallic acid mixed with iron
salts and tannin in water and was probably the most permanent in its time. 
A similar
effect can be produced by putting an iron nail in a glass of water with a wasp-gall
or oak-apple (the round hard growth found on oak trees - picture left) and leaving
it to stand for some time on a windowsill. The liquid you are left with can be used
as ink.
A similar
effect can be produced by putting an iron nail in a glass of water with a wasp-