Most importantly, sumi-e represents not only a unique and beautiful form of art, but a philosophy as well. While most classical Western painting had as its goal the realistic depiction of the world and its objects, sumi-e was the expression of the artist's perception. Painters attempted to capture the essence of an object, a person, or a landscape.
Western painting uses color to convey shadows, tones, and a sense of space.
Traditional sumi-e, on the other hand, uses only black ink. The art, while enthusiastically supported by rulers of the T'ang and Sung Dynasties, was more political and educational. Paintings were more rigid and serious, and they also tended to be elaborate and ornate. As time went on, literature began to play a more important role in painting. As a result, painting became more spontaneous and original.