Authentic Suibokuga & Shodo Products From Nara
Latest Products
Spotlight
Kobaien Ink Factory
Kobaien Ink Sticks
Shodo Doodles is a premier digital studio and authorized US retailer for Kobaien products, with permission to sell Kobaien products from Ichi, Inc., Japan, the official international distributor of Kobaien products authorized by Kobaien headquarters in Japan. For over 400 years, the artisans of Kobaien in Nara have dedicated themselves to the art of crafting sumi ink by hand. Founded in 1577 by Matsui Dochin, Kobaien has passed down this time-honored tradition through generations of skilled artisans, each driven by a deep love and passion for sumi ink. At Kobaien, the air itself is steeped in history. As one poem describes it: 'I can smell the ink sticks. The ancient capital of Nara at the Kobaien garden there.' This sensory experience speaks to the centuries-old tradition of ink making that continues to thrive in this unique place. Please click here to read an article by Mario Forsos. About Kobaien history of ink making.
Spotlight
Chiyomi Tanaka
Chiyomi Tanaka is a shokunin (master craftsperson) who pours her passion into the traditional art of Japanese brush making. As the first female dento kogeishi (master craftsperson designated by the Japanese government) for Nara Fude, she has earned the highest recognition for her exceptional skills and dedication.
With a deep love for her craft, Tanaka takes pride in creating brush heads with a distinctive structure: a stiff inner core wrapped in softer hairs. This unique construction, achieved through a meticulous process of repeatedly wetting and drying the brushes, results in tools that are both beautiful and functional, ensuring both quality and uniqueness. Her passionate artistry has made her renowned worldwide.
Shodo Doodles is proud to have permission from Tanaka-san to sell her brushes in the US and abroad.
You can read more about Chiyomi Tanaka in the New York Times . See link below. Check our media section to view her making brushes.
Spotlight
Rie Takeda
In Rie Takeda's Shodo, readers will find a beautiful guide to harmonizing the body-mind connection through elegant Japanese calligraphy—a perfect companion for fans of Ikigai and Wabi Sabi.
SHO 書: to write, writing, calligraphy.
DO 道: the path, the way, or the Tao—the path of life.
The ancient Japanese art of calligraphy is more than just a decorative skill; it is a revolutionary approach to mindfulness. This book serves as a stunning introduction to Shodo, demonstrating how the movement of a brush channels energy through the body and mind to unite them in harmony. What manifests on the paper is a true depiction of the present moment—a physical movement toward a more peaceful state of being.
As a Shodo expert and professional calligrapher, Rie Takeda shares the rich history, philosophy, and craft of her practice. Decorated throughout with her breathtaking art, the guide begins with fundamental brushstrokes and builds toward drawing complete kanji, each beautifully nuanced in both appearance and meaning.
Prepare your ink, clear your mind, and create natural wonderlands with simple sweeps of the brush.
Discover more about Rie Takeda and explore her exquisite artwork in our Artist Gallery. She is our featured artist of the month.
Please be advised that the ink featured in Rie Takeda’s photography is specialized body ink.
Shodo Doodles LLC, Ichi and Kobaien do not sell body ink. The products available through our shop—including all ink sticks and liquid inks—are formulated specifically and exclusively for traditional calligraphy and watercolor painting on paper.
Assumption of Risk
Intended Use: Our products are not cosmetic and are not tested for application on the skin or any other unintended surfaces.
Liability: Should these products be used for any purpose other than their stated intent, the user assumes all associated risks.
Indemnification: Shodo Doodles, LLC and ICHI Inc. shall not be held liable for any damages, injuries, allergic reactions, or other consequences resulting from the misuse or unintended application of our products.
This book will be coming soon!
Rimpamura
Rimpamura
Shodo Doodles, LLC has been granted a limited-time opportunity to sell a select inventory of Rimpamura's exquisite products. To explore the full range of their offerings, please visit Rimpamura's official website.
Senmen Ink Stick 扇面
扇( Sen : Fan)
面( men : face )
This is a top-quality oil-smoke ink made with canola oil. It is one of the products in the “Shitsu boku (( 漆墨, Shitsu boku, Lacquer black)" category, considered the finest of all Sumi ink sticks.
When darker in color, it is pure black; when lighter in color, it is brownish black.
It is suitable for both drawing and calligraphy.
Handmade ink stick by Kobaien Ink Factory
Touka-Ryusui
Touka ( 桃花, Peach flower )
Ryusui ( 流水, Running river )
The brush materials are Horse and Goat hair
Handmade by Chiyomi Tanaka
Awagami Paper
Awagami Paper Factory
Unleash your creativity with Awagami Factory's boxed scrolls! Choose from Kozo, Sakura, or Unryu paper to bring your artistic vision to life. These versatile scrolls are perfect for calligraphy, sumi-e painting, drawing, printmaking, and collage. Interior designers and stylists will also find them ideal for creating stunning table runners, photographic backgrounds, and eye-catching window displays. Each 70gsm scroll measures 19cm x 9m and arrives in an elegant washi-covered box, adorned with Japanese text and a seal. A unique and inspiring gift!
Upcoming Events
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4 Treasures Meditation: Tracing The Breath
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Demo Event
Will be coming soon!
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Guest Artist Event
Will be coming soon!
Frequently Asked
Questions
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Q: How can I be featured as Artist of the Month?
A: You can be considered for Artist of the Month if your artwork is Sumi-e (Japanese Brush Painting) or Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy). Alternatively, you can submit pieces where you've incorporated Kobaein products or Chiyomi Tanaka's brushes. Be sure to include a profile picture, five images (Jpegs) of your work, and a paragraph about your artistic journey. Send it to studio@shododoodles.com
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Classes will be coming soon!
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1. Our Commitment to Value We partner directly with renowned Japanese artisans, including Ichi Inc., to offer their exquisite products at the most competitive prices globally. To maintain these low prices, our sales model does not factor in the costs associated with returns or cancellations.
2. Order Cancellation, Returns, and Refunds Due to our pricing structure, we do not accept cancellations, returns, or refunds for orders made at the customer's request. All sales are final. For more on this, please check out our disclaimer section
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