String In Iroshizuku Bottle

[cmalanis]

I have a bottle of iroshizuku ink and have always noticed the "elegant touch" the string around the bottle neck gives the whole item. The string looks nice, elegant and unique. At somepoint looks "japanese" too. Now, I always thought it was just a "nice adornment" that might have held a label or tab at some point but a recent accident proved me wrong.

 

The string has a very specific purpose for being there, functional, clever and so simple it is just brilliant.

 

When I openned the bottle to fill up my pen there was a noticeable accumulation of ink at the ring of the cap and bottle neck.. and before I could do anything a thick drop of ink slid down the bottle... Both hands busy I was ready to see a deep black ink spot on my desk and some papers from the sliding drop but to MY SURPRISE!!! the drop never reached the desk. not even the bottle itself!... the ink was stopped, distributed and absorved by the string!! I honestly was surprised to discover the purpose of the "silly" string. So gladly surprised that Im thinking on stringing every other ink bottle in my hobby-box.

 

try it out, you might be surprised too.

 

btw: this reminds me of some spears that had "adornments" near the point... whose purpose was to stop enemy's blood from reaching the handle and make it slippery

 

cm alanis.

Daily FP user since 1997.

[Noxington]

Being new to fountain pens, I always thought that string was mere adornment. But now that you've detailed your observations, it makes perfect sense in hindsight to have it there. I know what I'm doing to my bottles now! (Looking at you, Noodler!) Thank you for sharing your observation.

[WaskiSquirrel]

Thanks for this! I just checked my bottles and...the Iroshizuku bottles are the only ones without ink dribbled down the side. The Take-sumi bottle in particular has a very drenched string, but nothing down the side of the bottle.

[mikefromsac]

I checked my seven bottles and you're right. There's several with signs of ink on the string, but nothing on the bottle. Brilliant!

[imahawki]

I've done this once before to an Iroshizuku bottle and noticed the same result. Its also the only time I've ever dripped ink down a bottle so in my case I ended up more aggravated that I stained the string. Apparently I have steady hands.

[lancecreeks]

Now I can't wait to get home to check out my Iro bottles and see it for myself. And it's only 9:37 am. Thanks. Lol!

Edited April 18, 2013 by lancecreeks

[cmalanis]

** update **

 

I have just started "stringing-up" my other bottles... these Japanese know what they're doing, too bad they forgot to promote it...!! String'em all up guys!!!

[angelofmusic81]

Yup! My Kon-peki string is...well, Kon-peki! I was sad to discover this at first and then I realized it kept the ink from sullying the label and whatever the bottle was sitting on and the stain just didn't bother me anymore.

[mhphoto]

Never thought of that… very cool!

[terminal]

THat's so clever.... it never occurred to me it was anything other than aesthetic.

[Elizabeth in NJ]

You all might be interested in my new product: Inkguard String!

 

It is 100% Cotton and scientifically proven to absorb ink drips. One 10-foot package is enough to protect 20 or more typical ink bottles. It's a great deal at only $11 per package. Buy now and get free shipping anywhere in the U.S.! PM me for details.

 

 

(disclaimer: This is just a joke. I'm not really trying to sell string. Though if you want to send me 11 bucks, I'll gladly send you 10 feet of string.)

[wallylynn]

I need to do this...

[Lloyd]

That's why men wear ties.

[sadiemagic]

I always thought it was simply decoration! Thank you for pointing that out, that's pretty cool. Love Iroshizuku inks....

[amberleadavis]

Oh..... you're just stringing us along .....

 

But now, I'm sorry I unstrung my other bottles.

 

Thanks for the line!

[lapis]

Thanks for this! I just checked my bottles and...the Iroshizuku bottles are the only ones without ink dribbled down the side. The Take-sumi bottle in particular has a very drenched string, but nothing down the side of the bottle.

Come to think of it, I never thought about that either. But... Iroshi can't be the inventors here because Herbin's 2 1670s and all 5 scented inks have those things too...

 

Mikke

 

 

[Lorna Reed]

Just checked my ten bottles of Iroshi and only two had ink on the string. Guess I must have steady hands.

I don't have any string to do my other bottles but wonder if embroidery silk would do the same job - I could colour co-ordinate with the ink.

[nicholasyeo]

I use a syringe to fill inks and prevent wastage, so I don't see my strings getting inked. Indeed useful, nevertheless!

[lapis]

No strings attached....

[dowdyism]

Wow - I guess I should stop throwing my strings away.