Matisse’s signature pen and ink drawings are drafted with a lead nib pen, Chinese ink invented in 3rd century B.C. The paper on which he created his drawings is exclusive Ingres paper.

Matisse used Chinese ink for his drawings as it was the highest quality possible available to him. Matisse chose to work with this ink as it was a permanent black ink. In the Chinese tradition dating back to 3rd century B.C., the ink was created by mixing the ashes of burnt plant oils, gum Arabic from tree sap in combination with various scented substances and so had a distinctive floral scent, also the depth of color did not change over time. This ink was so precious that the artist liquefied it himself from a solid stick and used only as much as was needed.

The highest caliber paper available for his ink drawings was Ingres paper, each sheet being hand made of a combination paper and natural fiber. In the process of making Ingres paper, certain watermarks remained embedded in the surface, giving the paper a distinctive pattern and texture.

Traces of lead could be scientifically analyzed to be found in the authentication process of an original Matisse ink drawing. Since the ink drawing was originally sketched with a lead nib, impressions from the instrument imprinted on the reverse side of the paper. If the artwork were a reproduction, no such traces would exist. Both the ink and paper are significantly indicative of Matisse’s exacting specifications in the execution of his masterful drawings.