Ink, and recording method making use of same

An ink comprising a dye and a liquid medium, wherein said dye is represented by the following Formula (I):

• ##STR8## wherein M represents a cation selected from an alkali metal, ammonium, and an organic ammonium;
• R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 independently represent a group selected from a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, and an acetylamino group;
• R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 independently represent a group selected from a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a sulfonic acid group, a methoxy group, and an ethoxy group;
• X represents a hydrogen atom, an acetyl group, a benzoyl group, --SO.sub.2 C.sub.6 H.sub.5, --SO.sub.2 C.sub.6 H.sub.4 CH.sub.3, or ##STR9## where R.sub.9 and R.sub.10 independently represent a hydrogen atom, or --C.sub.2 H.sub.4 OH;
• and said sulfonic acid group is present as a salt of the same cation as that represented by M, wherein said dye is contained in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 15% by weight based on the total weight of the ink, and wherein said liquid medium comprises a water-soluble organic solvent and water.