Sumi-e Painting of Bull

The Bull and the banana tree by Artist MICHIKO. Painted in the traditional Japanese Sumi-e Ink wash style.

Sumi-e is an ancient technique of monochromatic drawing which originated from Chinese painting and was introduced to Japan in the second half of the 14th Century. The words sumi, meaning ink and e, painting are primarily based on the use of Ink Stone. Its origin is attributed to the Tang dynasty (618-908) and was introduced to Japan by Buddhist monks.