Pilot Iroshizuku Fountain Pen Ink 15ml - Yama-budo (Crimson Glory Vine)
Yama-budo is one of those inks that earns its place on the desk permanently. Named after the Japanese word for a grape-bearing vine - known in English as the crimson glory vine - it cycles through reds and purples throughout the seasons. Pilot has captured that same restless energy in ink form: a deep, pink-leaning magentathat flows confidently onto the page and catches the eye without apology.
The colour reads differently depending on how it's applied. In finer lines it leans toward a rich, saturated fuchsia. In broader strokes or wetter applications, a medium green sheen emerges - particularly pronounced on high-quality papers such as Clairefontaine, Rhodia, and MD Paper where a gold shimmer can appear in heavily saturated areas. The shading is moderate, giving your script enough variation to feel alive without becoming inconsistent.
On the practical side, Yama-budo has a wet flow and dries in around 15 seconds on a medium nib over quality paper. That puts it in a comfortable position for everyday writing - smooth enough to feel indulgent, quick-drying enough to be genuinely usable. It produces well-defined strokes and works well across a wide variety of pens. As a general note, Iroshizuku inks are best suited to modern pens rather than vintage.
About Iroshizuku
The name Iroshizuku combines two Japanese words: "iro" (colouring), conveying high standards and chromatic richness, and "shizuku" (droplet), evoking the image of falling water. Each ink in the range takes its name from a Japanese natural landscape or plant, which informs the depth and character of its individual hue. The result is a collection that feels considered rather than arbitrary — inks with a story behind them, made by a company with over a century of fine writing expertise.
The 15ml bottle is a beautifully designed glass vessel with an innovative indentation at the base, allowing you to access the last drops without tilting or improvising. The lid fastens securely with a twist. The 15ml format is ideal for those building a collection, travelling with their pen kit, or wanting to try a colour before committing to the larger 50ml bottle.
Ink specifications
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Soft armchair
$420.00
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