Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Ink wash painting, also known as sumi-e or shui-mo hua, is a traditional East Asian art form that uses black ink and water to create monochromatic paintings. It emphasizes the beauty of brushstrokes and the harmony between ink and paper.
Related terms
Regular Script: Regular script, also known as kaishu, is a style of Chinese calligraphy characterized by its clear-cut lines and balanced composition.
Cursive Script: Cursive script, also known as caoshu or grass script, is a more fluid and expressive style of Chinese calligraphy with connected strokes.
Landscape Painting: Landscape painting is an art form that depicts natural scenery such as mountains, rivers, and forests. It often incorporates elements of ink wash painting techniques.