The tools of Sumi-e include sumi, solid ink compressed into a stick, which is ground on a stone plate called a suzuri. The suzuri can come in many shapes and sizes, but generally consists of a flat surface where the grinding is done and a well to catch the liquid ink. Water is applied to the suzuri and the painter grinds the sumi by hand, taking care to make the blackest possible ink. The grinding of ink is considered to be a part of the artistic process.