Shuǐ mò (ink wash) refers to a traditional Chinese painting style that uses only black ink and water to create subtle gradations of tone, texture, and atmosphere. The word combines 水 (shuǐ, 'water') and 墨 (mò, 'ink'), reflecting the essential materials: diluted ink applied with brushstrokes on absorbent paper or silk. Unlike Western oil or acrylic painting, shuǐ mò emphasizes spontaneity, negative space, and expressive economy—where a few strokes can suggest mountains, bamboo, or mist.

This art form is deeply rooted in Chinese literati culture and Daoist and Chan Buddhist aesthetics, valuing harmony with nature and inner resonance over realistic depiction. While often associated with landscapes, shuǐ mò also depicts flora (like plum blossoms or orchids) and fauna (such as cranes or fish), but always through minimalist, suggestive techniques. It’s taught in art schools and practiced by amateurs and masters alike, and the term may also refer to monochrome ink drawings more broadly—not just fine art but calligraphy-influenced illustrations.