India ink, also called Indian Ink and known as Chinese Ink is a medium commonly used today for drawing and ink paintings. Historically though it has existed since the 4th century BC. Traditionally it was used as a writing ink via a ancient form of dip pen or brush.

Traditionally India ink is made from carbon, and charcoal like substances as the pigment... most often the fine soot from a fire known as lampblack. In India the soot that remained after burning bones, tar and variety of other available substances was collected and then combined with water to form a liquid as well as a binding agent such as shellac, gelatin, hide glue or other available binders.

India ink is normally sold as a liquid however a solid stick form is also available, such as Chinese ink sticks used for Sumi-.e use.

Although it is easy to assume that by name 'Indian ink' originated in India, some people believe it actually originated in China. No one can be sure however similar inks were used traditionally in China too, using soot collected from burning pine and later petroleum.