墨 (mò) is a traditional Chinese ink made from soot and animal glue. It is commonly used in calligraphy and painting, where artists grind the ink stick on an ink stone with a small amount of water to create a smooth, rich ink. The quality of墨 can vary, affecting the depth and texture of the artwork. 墨 has a long history in Chinese culture, dating back thousands of years. It is an essential tool for artists and scholars, symbolizing knowledge and creativity. The use of墨 is closely associated with other art forms, such as 书法 (calligraphy) and 水墨画 (ink wash painting).