Pilot Iroshizuku Fountain Pen Ink Cartridges - Murasaki-shikibu (Japanese Beautyberry)
Some ink colours earn their names. Murasaki-shikibu takes its from a wild shrub that grows across Japan, its branches heavy with clusters of vivid purple berries each autumn. The plant grows wild throughout Japan, adorned with those distinctive purple-coloured berries, and Pilot has captured that exact tone with remarkable fidelity: a medium purple, warm rather than cool, with gentle shading that rewards a slower hand and better paper.
The name Iroshizuku combines the Japanese words iro (colouring), expressing high standards and variation of colour, and shizuku (droplet), evoking the image of dripping water. Every shade in the collection is drawn from the natural world of Japan, and Murasaki-shikibu is one of the most quietly beautiful among them. It sits between lavender and a true grape purple, shifting depending on nib size and paper absorbency. On quality paper, a fine nib renders it almost translucent at the edges; a broader, wetter nib brings out its depth.
What you get
Each box contains six proprietary Pilot fountain pen ink cartridges, with each cartridge holding 0.9 ml of ink. These cartridges are compatible with all Pilot and Namiki fountain pens that accept cartridges. They are not standard international cartridges and will not fit other brands - if you are unsure, check your pen's model specifications before purchasing.
Each individual cartridge is imprinted with the name of the ink colour. The packaging takes its cues from the iconic glass Iroshizuku ink bottle: the inner tray slides out of the box and features an internal latch so it does not pull free entirely. It is a small detail, but it is the kind of detail that signals care in design.
How it performs
Murasaki-shikibu has a wet flow, dries in approximately 15 seconds on a medium nib with Rhodia paper, and exhibits moderate shading along with a subtle gold sheen on higher-quality papers such as Clairefontaine. It behaves well across a range of nibs and is not prone to hard starts or flow inconsistencies. On more absorbent papers, some feathering is possible, as it is with most dye-based inks - for best results, pair it with smoother writing papers.
The ink is a dye-based formulation, free from iron gall compounds, which means it is gentle on your pen's feed and nib. Regular flushing between cartridges is still good practice, particularly if you are switching colours.
Who it is for
This colour suits anyone who keeps a journal, writes correspondence by hand, or simply wants something more considered than blue or black. It is distinctive without being theatrical. If you own a Pilot Metropolitan, Custom 74, Vanishing Point, or any other Pilot cartridge-compatible pen, these cartridges are the most straightforward way to experience the Iroshizuku line without committing to a full bottle.
Pilot selected eleven colours from the broader Iroshizuku range to offer in cartridge form. Murasaki-shikibu is among them - which says something about its enduring appeal.
Specifications
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Soft armchair
$420.00
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