Takeda Jimuki produce office supplies and stationery for use in the home and workplace. Their Kyo-Iro inks are handmade in Kyoto, Japan using traditional dye based techniques and materials and elegantly convey the charm and tradition of their historic city.
Soft Snow of Ohara (02)- A cool purple ink named after snowy winter scenery found in the village of Ohara near Kyoto. No chromatic behaviours. A very even spread when dropped onto wetted paper with a hint of sheen in evidence. Lovely reaction with bleach.
Stone Road of Gion (01) – A walnut brown named after the stone-paved streets of Kyoto’s Gion district, where you can still glimpse a traditional geisha-san or apprentice maiko-san. No chromatic behaviours. A very even spread when dropped onto wetted paper with a hint of sheen in evidence. Lovely reaction with bleach.
Flaming Red of Fushimi (03) – A vermillion red ink inspired by the vibrant torii gates of Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine, home of the revered Inari god of abundant harvests, thriving business, safe home, and family. No chromatic behaviours. A very even spread when dropped onto wetted paper with a hint of sheen in evidence. Lovely reaction with bleach.
Moonlight of Higashiyama (04) – A rust brown ink inspired by the wooden buildings of Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama district. No chromatic behaviours. A very even spread when dropped onto wetted paper with a dull sheen in evidence. Lovely reaction with bleach.
Cherry Blossom of Keage (05) – A deep pink ink is inspired by the sight of cherry blossoms arching over the train tracks at Kyoto’s Keage Incline in the spring. No chromatic behaviours. A very even spread when dropped onto wetted paper with a dull sheen in evidence. Lovely reaction with bleach.
Without doubt some quality inks – strong vivid colours with a great even finish and a fabulous bright gold colour when reacting with bleach.
All tests on Bockingford Rough 200lb watercolour paper with handwriting using a Noodler’s Creeper pen.
Many thanks to Anja at Papier & Stift who very kindly sent me the samples to test.
Swatch cards are now available to buy. Click for details. If you’d like to know how to create these yourself, why not check out my tutorials course? Click for details.
FOUNTAIN PEN INK ART 