Ink Black
Overview
This is the entry that distinguishes black's two readings: the cosmological black of Water and the ink black of the written mark. They share a name and almost nothing else.
Meaning
Ink black is the colour of the calligraphic and painting tradition — the one colour in which the tradition's most valued art is made.
Traditional Interpretation
Sources treat ink as having its own vocabulary — the tones of ink are named and graded — and the single colour carries the whole range of the tradition's painting.
Related Concepts
FAQ
What does ink black symbolize in Chinese tradition?
Ink black is the colour of the calligraphic and painting tradition — the one colour in which the tradition's most valued art is made. This is the entry that distinguishes black's two readings: the cosmological black of Water and the ink black of the written mark. They share a name and almost nothing else.
Is ink black an auspicious color?
It depends on the setting rather than on the color alone. Ink black is the colour of the calligraphic and painting tradition — the one colour in which the tradition's most valued art is made. The tradition's claim that ink contains all colours is the notable assertion: monochrome is treated as complete rather than as a reduction.
How is ink black read in Chinese tradition?
Sources treat ink as having its own vocabulary — the tones of ink are named and graded — and the single colour carries the whole range of the tradition's painting. It is grouped under Water (水) in the five-element system.
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