Kobaien

Over Four Centuries of

Ink-Making Excellence

Founded in 1577, Kobaien is one of Japan’s oldest and most revered ink makers, located in the historic district of Naramachi, Nara. For over 440 years, this family-run workshop has been crafting sumi ink—a cornerstone of Japanese calligraphy and painting—using traditional methods passed down through generations.

What makes Kobaien truly exceptional is its dedication to the “yuenboku” (oil soot ink) technique, developed in Nara during the Muromachi period. Unlike the older “shoenboku” (pine soot ink), yuenboku uses soot collected from burning vegetable oils like rapeseed and sesame, resulting in a deeper black, smoother texture, and elegant gloss. This innovation elevated Nara’s ink to national prominence and remains a symbol of Japanese craftsmanship and artistic refinement.

Kobaien also offers a range of handmade ink sticks, calligraphy tools, and limited-edition art supplies, making it a perfect stop for artists, collectors, and those seeking authentic Japanese souvenirs.

Whether you're a calligraphy enthusiast or simply curious about Japan’s cultural heritage, Kobaien offers a rare glimpse into the soul of traditional artistry in Nara.

Explore the Sights

See photos that bring Kobaien to life.

Traditional Japanese building with dark wooden exterior, tiled roof, and a signboard with Japanese characters.
Traditional Japanese noren curtain hanging in a doorway, with rail tracks on the ground leading outside.
Three wooden boxes with black backgrounds, gold painted images of a fox holding an axe, a dragon, and some Japanese characters layered with paper labels, set amongst other boxed items.
Display of Japanese calligraphy ink sticks in wooden boxes with price tags in Japanese yen.
Black square sign with gold Japanese calligraphy characters hanging under a wooden roof, with a tile roof and gutter visible.
A signboard with Japanese characters and circular gold medals or coins mounted on a wooden structure under a tiled roof.