The brush does not create. It reveals what was always there.
In 1847, the calligrapher Endo Hiroshi made a discovery. While grinding ink for a wealthy patron's commission, he fell into a state the monks called muga—the dissolution of self.
When he emerged, there were creatures on the paper. Not drawn by his hand, he claimed, but revealed through it. The ink had spoken. He had merely listened.
Over the next thirty years, Endo documented 847 creatures—each with unique forms, behaviors, and what he called "true names." He never sold a single piece. The collection remained sealed until his death in 1879.
born.ink is based on these recovered manuscripts.
The brush reveals, not creates.
Every creature already exists somewhere in the infinite space of potential. Your intention merely calls it forth.
Imperfection is authenticity.
Like traditional sumi-e, we embrace the unexpected. Each creature is unique, sometimes surprising, always one-of-a-kind.
Restraint over excess.
True mastery lies in knowing what to leave out. Our aesthetic favors negative space, subtle color, and meaningful silence.
Play should be accessible.
No pay-to-win mechanics. No predatory monetization. The game rewards time, skill, and creativity—not wallet size.
We are a small team of artists, engineers, and believers in the old ways. We maintain the scrolls. We keep the ink flowing. We listen.
London • Tokyo • The Space Between
The ink awaits. Your creatures are patient. They have been waiting a long time.