An ink containing a coloring agent dissolved in a mixed solvent including a first solvent which is liquid at 20.degree. C. and which is polyalkylene glycol or an ethylene glycol monoether and a second solvent selected from monohydric alcohols, ketones, esters and halogenated hydrocarbons. An image of the ink formed on an ink permeable sheet penetrates through the sheet and is transferred to a surface of a desired object overlaid with the sheet.