Chinese Ink Painting is also known as Sumi Painting, Korean or Chinese Painting. Originating in China, Ink Painting began its early development as simple pictorial drawings that executed in sumi ink with a soft, pointed brush on paper or silk. Chinese Ink Painting has historically been closely allied with Oriental calligraphy as an art form.

Executed on paper with a soft, pointed brush and ink, Ink Painting has evolved in China from centuries not for art’s sake alone but for an outgrowth of living. Underlying the apparent simplicity and harmony of composition and the aura of serenity, there is a philosophy: the immensity and harmony of the universe found in a unifying pattern of life in all natural forms. While Western painting is taken the first consideration for composition and perspective with careful attention, Ink painting is completely unconcerned with producing a literal representation. Its emphasis is put upon the spirit rather than scientific or rational realism. Thus, the most prized masterpieces are those that are thought to display a noble soul aiming at the representation of the state of mind using serenity as a keynote.