Kyoto Ink KYO IRO

Made in Kyoto according to traditional Japanese dyeing techniques dating back to the Heian era (roughly 1000 years ago), these beautiful water-based fountain pen inks are a pleasure to write with as well as the expression of a rich ancient history.

Each Ink colour in this series of 5 colours, is inspired by the landscape in Kyoto and of its historic buildings and shrines. You'll notice the names given to each colour are quite 'wordy' perhaps but all have been chosen and carefully translated from the Japanese name, to remain authentic to the brand's dedication and inspiration behind their creations. The inspirations behind each colour have been lovingly translated into English by our team, and a lot of our vocabulary and knowledge of the landscape in Kyoto has been utilised, with the hope that they will evoke the same feelings and thoughts that were intended when the inks were made and given their beautiful names. 

Each bottle is made of glass in Kyoto and contains 40mls of ink. 

Cherry Blossom of Keage
This beautiful colour is inspired by the Cherry Blossoms that fall and cover the 'Keage Incline' - an old railroad track in Kyoto, which is now disused and has become a world famous spot for Cherry Blossom lovers! The Cherry Blossom trees line the railroad track and form a sort of canopy or an arch; the colour of the blossoms falling onto the tracks after their long awaited arrival in Spring, is the inspiration behind this bottle of ink.

Stone Road of Gion
This beautiful shade of ink is inspired by Gion, a district of Higashiyama-Ku, in Kyoto (Japan). The streets in Gion are lined with the most beautiful stone and this is all still preserved; Gion is famous for its preservation of historic architecture and traditional entertainment. Whilst the town was originally built to cater to the needs of travellers and visitors who came especially to see the shrines, today, it is one of Japan's most famous Geisha districts where you'll readily see Geisha - or 'Geiko' as they prefer to be known - walking around the town. The beautiful Shirakawa River winds through the preserved towns and adds to the serene sense of calm that is often felt in districts like Gion, as if you've been transported back in time to the Sengoku period in Kyoto. 

Soft Snow in Ohara
The inspiration for this beautiful shade of ink is Winter in Kyoto. Ohara means a 'small field' and after Autumn has been and gone, Winter in Kyoto is magical. Fields are covered in soft blankets of snow and tourists have all but gone; the streets are quiet again. The full-moon is an excellent sight during Kyoto's Winter and this ink colour evokes shades of such a beautiful Winter night. 

Moonlight of Higashiyama
Another beautiful colour inspired by the district of Higashiyama, nestled in the lower slopes of Kyoto's eastern mountains. This is where traditional Kyoto meets modern Kyoto - perfect for walking through winding lanes, narrow roads and staring in awe at historic buildings. Did you know that telephone poles have all but been removed from the district in an effort to preserve its other-worldly feel? Higashiyama is also lined with shops and restaurants and is bustling with people eager to experience the beauty that this district has to offer. This colour is inspired by nightfall in Higashiyama, when old buildings and little roads are bathed in soft moonlight, and the sky is lit with stars as far as the eye can see. 

Fushimi's Vermillion
This colour is a recreation of the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, an important shrine nestled in Southern Kyoto. It is most famous for its Vermillion coloured gates - or Torii Gates - thousands of them in perfect rows, forming a network of canopies in the most brilliant vermillion colour. When the sun filters through the Torii gates, it creates the most magnificent shadows of light and is the inspiration for this shade of ink.