Eclectic Psyche

Iroshizuku chiku-rin ink

“We live and breathe words. .... It was books that made me feel that perhaps I was not completely alone. They could be honest with me, and I with them. Reading your words, what you wrote, how you were lonely sometimes and afraid, but always brave; the way you saw the world, its colors and textures and sounds, I felt--I felt the way you thought, hoped, felt, dreamt. I felt I was dreaming and thinking and feeling with you. I dreamed what you dreamed, wanted what you wanted--and then I realized that truly I just wanted you.”

― Cassandra Clare, Clockwork Prince

chiku-rin

This is an ink I had included in a package with a Sailor pen from Japan.  I added it to my order because I had a family member keen to have a lighter green ink than the Noodler’s Hunter Green ink I have.  I wasn’t that keen on a light green ink but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the colour.

Chiku-rin Ink - photo by Eclectic Psyche

Surprisingly it turned out not to be as light a green as I expected.  The sample pictures seemed to show it being a little washed out, almost faded in appearance.  However it’s a very solid colour without being dark.  In a wet pen or a wider nib, such as an italic or broad nib, it’s a lovely vivid green.  In very fine nibs it can seem a bit too light on certain papers.  If you use a medium to broad nib it’s a good choice for a green ink.  It also has good shading qualities, which give the ink a good contrast between its light and dark range.

I have not experienced any nib creep with this ink and the ink flow commences immediately.  As a wet ink it dries fairly quickly (within about 4 seconds).  I haven't experienced bleeding or feather except on very absorbent paper.  It is not a waterproof ink and tends to run easily if it comes into contact with any liquids, such as water spray or small drink spills.  If you need a green ink with waterproof qualities then this isn't the ink for you - try Noodler's Hunter Green instead.  Its an ink with bulletproof qualities but it is a considerably darker green ink.

I’m using the chiku-rin in a medium nib Sailor pen at the moment and it is proving ideal for journal notes and document/letter writing. It’s a soothing shade of green that has a brightness that makes the writing appear crisp, clear and clean. 

If the Iroshizuku take-sumi is the bamboo charcoal of Pilot inks then chiku-rin must be the bamboo leaf - with its vibrant free flowing green ink.  It’s a great addition to any ink collection.  A cheerful green that enlivens any page of writing.  I like it as much as this Red Panda does.  (I'll post a writing sample in the next day or two).

Photo courtesy: http://www.freevector.comI