‘Pō mò’ (泼墨) literally means 'splashing ink' — a distinctive technique in traditional Chinese ink painting where the artist applies large, spontaneous, and fluid strokes of ink to create dramatic forms, textures, or atmospheric effects. The character 泼 (pō) conveys vigorous action — splashing, dashing, or flinging — while 墨 (mò) means 'ink', specifically the black ink made from soot and glue used in calligraphy and painting. Together, they refer not just to the physical act but to an expressive, intuitive artistic method emphasizing spontaneity over precision.

This technique is especially associated with Song- and Yuan-dynasty literati painters and is often used to render misty mountains, stormy skies, or abstract bamboo groves — where suggestion and energy matter more than literal representation. It reflects Daoist and Chan Buddhist ideals of naturalness, freedom, and the unity of mind and brush. Today, ‘pō mò’ is also used metaphorically to describe bold, unrestrained creative expression in writing or performance.