墨膏 (mò gāo) is a traditional Chinese solid ink used in calligraphy and brush painting. It consists of soot-based pigment (from pine or oil) mixed with animal glue and sometimes aromatic herbs, pressed into solid sticks or cakes. The character 墨 (mò) means 'ink' — historically derived from carbon-rich soot, often sourced from burned plant materials like pine wood; 膏 (gāo) means 'paste' or 'ointment', referring to its soft, viscous consistency when ground with water on an inkstone. Together, 墨膏 emphasizes the semi-solid, ready-to-grind form of traditional ink, distinguishing it from modern liquid inks.

This term is commonly used in contexts involving classical art practice, cultural heritage, or artisanal ink-making. While less common in daily speech than the simpler term 墨 (mò), 墨膏 appears in museum descriptions, craft workshops, and historical texts. It evokes authenticity and craftsmanship, especially when discussing high-quality, handmade ink produced using centuries-old methods.