Iroshizuku Japanese Ink, explained...

We'd though we'd give you a little guide into the reaons behind the names of the Iroshizuku Ink range from Pilot. Unless you speak Japanese, understandably none of the name are really going to mean anything to you. Luckily we're here to help!

This ink is really something special, from the outset it is an impressive and imposing product. The bottle and surrounding packaging are done in a style that only the Japanese can muster - the attention to detail is outstanding, even down to the thread around the lid.

Let me give you the run down on all the varieties of Ink and what the devil the name means...

Name: Murasake Shikibu translates as Japanese Beautyberry
Actual Colour: (Deep Lavender)
The Story: Murasaki Shikibu grows wild throughtout Japan, adorned with purple-colored berries. This purple matches the shade of the rich Murasaki Shikibu berries.

Name: Kosumosu translates as Cosmos
Actual Colour: Pink
The Storythe Japanese name for a Cosmos, orginates from its autumn blossoms and the resemblance of the petals to that of cherry blossoms. This pink is reminiscent of the friendly and endearing Cosmos flower.

Name: Ina Ho translates as Rice Ear -
Actual Colour: Golden Brown
The Story:This Brown evokes the image of a vast field brimming with waves of golden rice ears ready for a rich harvest.

Name: Chiku Rin translates as Bamboo Forest
Actual Colour: Yellow Green
The Story:The backdrop of a bamboo forest is one of the most iconic of Japanese nature. This green calls to mind the inviting touch of the wind flowing through the stalks of a bamboo forest.

Name: Tsuiki-Yo translates as Moonlight
Actual Colour: Deep Teal
The Story: This shade of blue comes from the image of a night sky, dimly illuminated by moonlight.

Name: Asa-gao - Translated as Morning Glory.
Actual Colour: Vivd Purplish Blue
The Story: The iconic summer morning glory has long been a familiar favorite of the Japanese. This shade of blue conjures up the refreshing color of a newly blooming morning glory.

Name: Fuyu-gaki translated as Winter Persimmon
Actual Colour: Deep Orange
The Story: The color of the persimmon has been long used in Japan since around the late Heian period. This shade of orange conjures up the image of a lusciously ipe persimmon.

Name: Tsukushi- Horsetail
Actual Colour: Brown
The Story: This shade of brown conjures up the image of soft, young horsetail awaiting the coming of spring.

Name: Yama-guri - Wild Chestnut
Actual Colour: Dark Brown
The Story: This shade of brown conjures up the image of a ripe, fallen chestnut shell during the longing season of autumn.

Name: Tsuyu-kusa - Asiatic Dayflower
Actual Colour: Deep Blue
The Story: The Asiatic Dayflower grows wild in fields and roadsides and blossoms in the summertime. This shade of blue conjures the color of the small, fragile Asiatic dayflower.

Name: Kon-peki - Deep Blue
Actual Colour: Cerulena Blue
The Story: This shade of blue expresses the color of a vast and clear summer sky.

Name: tsutsuji - Azalea
Actual Colour: Deep Pink
The Story: This shade of pink/ red conjures up the common red seen amongst the myriad hues of the Azalea flowers.

Name: ku-jaku - Peacock
Actual Colour: Deep Turquoise
The Story: This shade of green conjures up the stark and vivid feathers of the richly multicolored peacock.

Name: momiji - Autumn Leaves
Actual Colour: Vermillion
The Story: This shade of red conjures up the bright red leaves that are iconic of Japanese autumn.

Name: Yama-budo - Crimson Glory Vine
Actual Colour: Bordeaux
The Story: Crimson Glory Vine This shade of red conjures up the image of the bright and ripe fruit of the wild, yet subdued crimson glory vine.

Name: shin-ryoku Forest Green
Actual Colour: Deep Green
The Story: This shade of green conjures the unchanging color of a dense evergreen forest in a long winter.

Name: yu-yake Sunset
Actual Colour: Burnt Orange
The Story: This shade of orange conjures up sky, painted by the evening sunset on clear day.

Name: kiri-same Scotch Mist
Actual Colour: Misty Dark Gray
The Story: The mist of Japanese autumns drapes a veil over one s vision. This shade of grey conjures up the image of a landscape expectant of winter.




So now you should be fully fluent in Japanese Ink names, Sayonara!