Brief History of Pen and Ink
The use of of Ink dates back to about as far as 2,500 BCE which goes to show just how long this medium has existed. Numerous cultures around 2,500 BCE each independently discovered their own versions of ink. Early sources of ink derived from mineral bases, ground up plant, and animals which were mixed with water and applied to a brush tool. India ink was and still is one of the most innovative and succesful forms of ink. It was created in China around the 23rd Century BCE but called "india ink" because the materials used to create it were sourced and imported from India. India ink was created by combining soot with water. Some brilliant examples of pen and ink art throughout history can be viewed above this text.
The first tools created for Ink were mostly made from reed straws or bamboo until Europeans create the quill pen which became a primary wrting tool. Eventually this led to the invention of the resevoir which can be considered the orginal fountain pen. In the earily 20th century the ballpoint pen was created which was followed by the felt tip and rollerball pens. Even with numerous of changes in how pen and ink us utilizes across history at its core the art of pen and ink has remained a mostly unchanged medium. All artists are attracted to its bold appearance and incredible versatility. Even as times continues to march forward pen and ink will always have a seat at the table of artistic mediums.