There are a wide variety of inks, and practical natural color inks not only have a large number but also have roughly the same shape. We can identify whether words and patterns (i.e. ink names) are engraved on both sides of the ink. Are there any names of production units on the left and right sides. There are also inscriptions on the side, with the top of the ink engraved with the words "super lacquer smoke", "lacquer smoke", "top smoke", and "tung oil smoke", indicating that the ink ingot belongs to the category of oil smoke ink; The words "Mount Huangshan Pine Smoke", "Big Volume Pine Smoke", "Pine Smoke" and so on indicate that the ink ingot belongs to the category of pine smoke; Engraved with words such as "full smoke", "refined smoke", and "pure smoke", this ink belongs to the category of carbon black ink.
In short, it requires collectors to have considerable knowledge and experience. Firstly, it is necessary to have a general understanding of the development and evolution history of ancient ink, as well as the main origins of ancient famous ink and the surnames and styles of famous ink makers. It is also necessary to have a certain understanding of the famous ink patterns of famous ink masters.
In terms of texture, there are also significant differences between new and old ink. The new ink has a gray color, although it is thick and not smooth, the old ink is pure black and smooth, with a pure black color and a thick color sense. Due to the uneven mixing of new ink and glue, the ink color appears to be thick and uneven. Old ink, due to its rigorous preparation method and long storage time, has a natural and even glue, a flat black color, and does not stick to the pen. The smell of new ink has dryness, while old ink has its own ancient and distant fragrance, and displays an ancient and rustic color tone.