Review on Authentic Kaimei Sumi Ink 180 Ml - Premium Japanese Import for Artists and Calligraphers by Heather Shaw

I'm new to pen calligraphy and started with a jar of ink. It seemed to work well enough, but it was a bit thick and could probably benefit from thinning. I bought this Kaimei sumi ink after seeing many people recommend sumi ink for beginner calligraphers. The difference is like day and night. The Kaimei Sumi ink bleeds easily from the pen and I feel like I can write twice as long without dipping again. Also, the pen is much easier to strip than ink. I've been frustrated trying to learn and practice with ink, but this sumi ink is a pleasure. I really love this stuff. The ink is a nice dark opaque black. The no-drip lid is convenient and allows you to pour ink neatly into a smaller container. I think the price is very good for the amount of ink you get. As for the smell, which many reviewers have complained about, it's fairly strong, organic/earthy; However, I don't find it unpleasant and only smell it when I hold the inkwell right under my nose. I had to take a good sniff to understand what all the fuss was about, and I was very surprised that so many people found the smell objectionable. I don't smell it at all when the glass is on my desk while I'm writing, so that doesn't mean the ink is giving off fumes into the air that make the whole room smelly. I consider myself an odor sensitive person and I have no problem with this mascara. If you decide to take a deep breath, the smell will definitely hit your nostrils, but it's a very earthy, dirty-vegetable scent, nothing like chemicals or dead animals. I highly recommend it. Kaimei sumi ink for beginner calligraphers and I might even try to use it in my paintings. The big bottle lasts a long time and I'll definitely be reordering once it's gone.