Chiku-Rin - Pilot Iroshizuku

[visvamitra]

In December 2007 Pilot's created exclusive line of inks called Iroshizuku. I believe they may well be the most well known fountain pen inks in pen world. These inks are supposed to work in any pen with any nib on any paper and in any situation. I haven't tried all of them but so far the Iroshizuku inks I've tried were behaving flawlessly. The bottles are stunning although they have their issues: if the ink is left unused for some time the cap tends to stick and break when you try to twist it open. It happened to my bottle of Shin-Ryoku.

Anyway Iroshizuku line of inks counts 24 "standard" colors. Three inks were made some time ago for Tokyo stores: Edo-Murasaki, Fukagawa-Nezu and Shimbashi-Iro.After seeing the scans over blogosphere I wish these three were accesible, because they look interesting. Edo - Murasaki looks cool while Murasaki - Shikibu is of no interest to me. Even though I kind of like Fuyu-Syogun I find Fukagawa-Nezu more compelling.

Nothing indicates Pilot plans on extending the official line any time soon (if ever) so let's take a look at what's possible to obtain from dealers and online shops.

http://imageshack.com/a/img905/8500/8118Do.jpg

I don't have all of the inks but sooner or later I'll try to check them all. With time I'll review all of them (hopefully).

1. Ajisai
   
2. Ama-Iro
   
3. Asa-Gao
   
4. Chiku-Rin
   
5. Fuyu-Gaki
   
6. Fuyu-Syogun
   
7. Ina-Ho
   
8. Kiri-Same
   
9. Kon-Peki
   
10. Kosumosu
    
11. Ku-Jaku
    
12. Momiji
    
13. Murasaki-Shikibu
    
14. Shin-Kai
    
15. Shin-Ryoku
    
16. Syo-Ro
    
17. Take-Sumi
    
18. Tsuki-Yo
    
19. Tsukushi
    
20. Tsutsuji
    
21. Tsuyu-Kusa
    
22. Yama-Budo
    
23. Yama-Guri
    
24. Yu-Yake
    

Chiku-Rin is for me Zen Color. It's fresh, well behaved and calming (at least for me). I like this ink a lot.

Bottle

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/1435/TJf3SX.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img673/9670/76ijPe.jpg

Ink Splash

http://imageshack.com/a/img538/9186/1MsCwJ.jpg

Drops of ink on kitchen towel

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/1817/tEQdxa.jpg

Software ID

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/2672/RO2rPT.jpg

Color Range

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/8972/fxykbs.jpg

Waterproofness

http://imageshack.com/a/img538/3917/cYk8kA.jpg

Oxford Recycled ( 90g, satined paper ), Kaweco Classic Sport turned to eyedropper, broad nib

http://imageshack.com/a/img661/2382/zt8aOC.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img633/2634/wFZAdv.jpg

Comparison (scribbles made with Kaweco on absorbent paper)

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/6971/N1RERf.jpg

Edited January 23, 2015 by visvamitra

[Hallel]

Very nice, reminds me of spring grass. But I don't know if I'd like to write with it for a full page.

[jasonchickerson]

On the one hand, I can't imagine ever wanted to write with this grassy green color. On the other hand, that waterproofness test is beautiful. I'll be getting a sample.

[lgsoltek]

I didn't expect it to have any kind of water resistance!

[fountainpenlady]

They are now being offered in 15ml at Vanness. I have no affiliation. I am just someone who likes the inks and saw the information in Classified section. I received a full bottle of Tsutsuji Saturday, and with the offering of the 15ml, I can try some colors of the ink I would not have necessarily wanted to purchase a full 50ml. I ordered three bottles and the colors would not have been ones I would want to try otherwise.

[Helen350]

Thanks for the excellent review.

[fountainpenlady]

Thanks for the excellent review.

Yes, perfect timing. I just ordered this color and wondered what it actually looks like. Thanks

[amberleadavis]

Great stuff.

[jasonchickerson]

I don't know what I will use this color for, but I just ordered a sample and I'm way too excited about it.

[jasonchickerson]

I wondered if I would ever find a use for this ink. Then an idea came to me while I was working on this Get Well card. At this rate, my sample will last a lifetime.

 

http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac209/jasonchickerson/_FUJ6520.jpg

[visvamitra]

Nice sketch

[amberleadavis]

I agree, great sketch.

[annettefhorn]

I really like Chiku-Rin. I wouldn't use it in my finest nibs, but it works fine for me in a Japanese M or German F. I don't tend to write page after page of anything, so my ink usage is limited to cards and short letters, daily diary notes, and occasional meeting notes. For those purposes, it's great, and stands out from something like a dark blue.

[mholve]

Hello FPN group. I have almost all of them, and I need help.

 

[Tanzanite]

When I look at pictures of Chiku Rin here and other webpages it looks great and saturated enough but when I use it it is far too pale, even with a broad wet nib.

[Tas]

I wondered if I would ever find a use for this ink. Then an idea came to me while I was working on this Get Well card. At this rate, my sample will last a lifetime.

 

http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac209/jasonchickerson/_FUJ6520.jpg

 

Beautiful . . .

[KKay]

I have this one on my short list to buy. I particularly like greens, blues, sea green, turquoise etc..., and I must not forget the grays! Thanks for showing what this one looks like on paper.