Jacques Herbin La Perle des Encres | Poussière de Lune
Jacques Herbin is the oldest name in fountain pen ink in the world. The house was established in Paris in 1670, and by 1700 the founder had formalised his collection of writing inks under the name La Perle des Encres, "The Jewel of Inks", from his shop on the Rue des Fosses Saint-Germain. Over three centuries later, the range remains one of the most respected in fine stationery.
Poussière de Lune, or Moondust Purple, is the best-selling colour in the Herbin line, and it earns that position. The name comes with its own poetry: the colour of the night sky when only a crescent moon is visible. On paper, it delivers a dark, dusty aubergine purple with strong grey undertones. It dries a touch cooler and softer than it appears wet, shifting toward a complex purple-grey that reads as sophisticated rather than vivid. There is a muted, powdery quality to it that sets it apart from brighter violets and plums.
On paper
Poussière de Luneperforms reliably across a wide range of papers. Strokes are clean and consistent, and the ink flows well without being unpredictable. It is a wet ink by nature, which gives it excellent coverage and a smooth writing experience, but on absorbent or lower-quality paper it can spread slightly as it dries. On premium coated papers such as Rhodia or Clairefontaine, it behaves beautifully. For daily writing use, a fine or extra-fine nib will give you better line definition. Medium nibs work well but show off the wetter flow more noticeably.
The colour has some shading, visible when comparing thick and thin strokes, though it is not the primary characteristic. What it does have is visual depth. It does not look flat on the page.
Formulation
Herbin inks are water-based and formulated using natural dyes, which contributes to their notably neutral pH. They are non-toxic and free from iron-gall compounds, making them safe for all fountain pens, including vintage or delicate feed systems. Poussière de Lune is not waterproof and not an archival ink. It will lift with water exposure, which also makes it a pleasant ink to use with a brush for washes and illustration.
Because Herbin inks contain no preservatives, it is worth keeping bottles sealed when not in use and checking older stock before filling a pen.
The bottle
The 30 ml glass bottle follows Herbin's classic D-bottle form, a shape that references the old French unit of measure la Demi Courtine. It is elegantly proportioned, elegantly labelled, and features an integrated pen rest on the neck, a small but considered detail that makes filling a practical business rather than an awkward one.
Suitable for
Fountain pens of all types. Also used by artists and illustrators as an ink wash. The colour reads well in journals, correspondence, and everyday writing alike.
Specifications
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Soft armchair
$420.00
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