Ink sticks are an ancient way of producing and storing ink that has been shown to last for thousands of years. Most of the ancient Chinese painting and calligraphy that survives uses this type of ink which is famous in China as one of the Chinese "Four Treasures of the Scholar". Chinese ink is a type of ink used for writing and painting in particular. It is pure, glossy black and differs from the lead inks commonly used in the West. Black Indian ink is made from carbon black, natural resins, gum, and other secret components.