Calligraphy with a fountain pen is a different practice from pointed-pen calligraphy with dip pens, but it shares the same fundamental pleasure: the line that varies in width, the rhythm of the stroke, the visible connection between hand and page. For fountain pen calligraphy — using italic, stub, or specialty nibs — the ink matters as much as the nib.
What calligraphic nibs need from ink
Italic and stub nibs put down significantly more ink per stroke than round nibs of equivalent size. This means the ink needs to flow generously without flooding, dry at a reasonable rate on quality paper, and produce clean, crisp edges rather than feathering into the page fibres. Shading inks particularly reward italic nibs — the pooling and variation that produces shading effects is amplified by the broad downstrokes characteristic of italic writing.
Pilot Iroshizuku — the most reliable calligraphy inks
Iroshizuku inks are the most recommended for calligraphic fountain pen use. They flow generously without flooding broad nibs, produce clean edges on quality paper, and shade beautifully with italic strokes. Yama-budo (gold sheen on broad strokes), Momiji (cool red with shading), and Shin-ryoku (deep green with red sheen in generous applications) are particular favourites for calligraphic use. The wide, low Iroshizuku bottle makes filling broad nibs — which need deep dipping — straightforward.
Sailor Shikiori — for shading and character
Sailor Shikiori inks shade more expressively than Iroshizuku and work beautifully with italic and stub nibs. The broad downstrokes of italic writing create visible pooling at stroke beginnings and ends, and Shikiori's tendency toward tonal variation amplifies this effect. Yozakura (pale pink) and Yama-dori (copper-sheen teal) are particularly striking with calligraphic nibs.
Inks to approach with care
Shimmer inks with broad nibs: Shimmer inks produce spectacular effects with italic nibs on smooth paper — the gold or silver particles catch in the broad strokes dramatically. However, shimmer inks require more frequent cleaning of any pen, and with broad nibs that put down more ink per stroke, the particle accumulation in the feed is faster. Clean shimmer inks from any broad italic pen every one to two weeks.
Very saturated inks with slow dry times: Some highly saturated inks take a long time to dry on smooth paper in broad nibs. For calligraphy on Tomoe River (the slowest-drying quality paper), allow extra time between strokes and before handling the page.
Iron gall inks: Iron gall inks work well with italic nibs and produce beautiful, permanent results on quality paper. Clean the pen more frequently than with dye-based inks — the iron gall chemistry is more prone to residue buildup in broad nibs. Good results reward the additional care.
Choosing a starting ink for italic nibs
For someone new to italic nibs: start with a standard Iroshizuku colour in a size (Medium or Fine Medium — "FM" in Sailor/Platinum notation) and a quality smooth paper. The combination of reliable ink, quality nib, and appropriate paper allows you to focus on the writing technique rather than managing ink behaviour. Once you're comfortable with the nib, explore more expressive inks.
Browse fountain pen inks and italic/stub nibs at The Journal Shop.
Where to start: browse our fountain pen inks and fountain pens at The Journal Shop.
