Kyoto TAG Kyo-Iro Stone Road of Gion Ink Bottle
Born from a collaboration between stationery shop TAG and Kyoto Kusakubi Laboratory (a specialist in colour dyes), these inks are made in Kyoto following traditional Japanese dyeing techniques dating back to the Heian era. Expressing a rich ancient history dating back over 1000 years, these beautiful water-based inks are a joy to write with.
The range covers two lines (Kyo-no-oto, and Kyo-iro) made up of 10 traditional Japanese colours.
I bought this ink because I have several pens that write a heavy wet line and this ink has a reputation for being a little “dry”. I was also interested in a brownish-grey color. I got my wish! This ink is so reserved that some of my pens insist on writing on cheap absorbent paper just to make a dark enough line! Saves me from buying so much of that smooth Tomoe River paper. This ink also gives quite a bit of shading if you let it. Combined with an extra-fine nib, it can even write in Moleskine journals without excessive bleeding. Works for me, but I don't use it all the time.
