Syo - Ro - Pilot Iroshizuku

[visvamitra]

In December 2007 Pilot's created exclusive line of inks called Iroshizuku. I believe they may well be the most well known fountain pen inks in pen world. These inks are supposed to work in any pen with any nib on any paper and in any situation. I haven't tried all of them but so far the Iroshizuku inks I've tried were behaving flawlessly.

The colors were created by Kiyomi Hasegawa who after fifteen years of working in a stationary shop and communicating with Clients come to conclusion that not all fountain pen users are willing to write in black and blue. Wise woman.

The bottles are stunning although they have their issues: if the ink is left unused for some time the cap tends to stick and break when you try to twist it open. It happened to my bottle of Shin-Ryoku.

Anyway Iroshizuku line of inks counts 24 "standard" colors. Three inks were made some time ago for Tokyo stores: Edo-Murasaki, Fukagawa-Nezu and Shimbashi-Iro.After seeing the scans over blogosphere I wish these three were accesible, because they look interesting. Edo - Murasaki looks cool while Murasaki - Shikibu is of no interest to me. Even though I kind of like Fuyu-Syogun I find Fukagawa-Nezu more compelling.

Nothing indicates Pilot plans on extending the official line any time soon (if ever) so let's take a look at what's possible to obtain from dealers and online shops.

http://imageshack.com/a/img538/1595/lYAayJ.jpg

1. Ajisai
   
2. Ama-Iro
   
3. Asa-Gao
   
4. Chiku-Rin
   
5. Fuyu-Gaki
   
6. Fuyu-Syogun
   
7. Ina-Ho
   
8. Kiri-Same
   
9. Kon-Peki
   
10. Kosumosu
    
11. Ku-Jaku
    
12. Momiji
    
13. Murasaki-Shikibu
    
14. Shin-Kai
    
15. Shin-Ryoku
    
16. Syo-Ro
    
17. Take-Sumi
    
18. Tsuki-Yo
    
19. Tsukushi
    
20. Tsutsuji
    
21. Tsuyu-Kusa
    
22. Yama-Budo
    
23. Yama-Guri
    
24. Yu-Yake
    

Syo-ro sample was sent to me by mishka - thank you

Syo-ro isn't my favourite I find it rather mawkish. It's not common hue but I just can't start liking it.

Waterproofness

http://imageshack.com/a/img538/8215/wxziDu.jpg

Chromatography:

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/9718/GMyalx.jpg

Ink splash

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/5292/SQ4WiX.jpg

Drops of ink on kitchen towel

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/2116/6JC7Vw.jpg

Software ID

http://imageshack.com/a/img661/7725/Yut59g.jpg

Calendar, Kaweco Sport Classic B

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/5158/xy47NX.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img908/1710/vSnxcT.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img673/2875/x4X2S4.jpg

Edited May 17, 2015 by visvamitra

[A144]

Great review as always. This is one of my favorite Iroshizuku inks. The color change as it dries is really cool.

[jasonchickerson]

Not my color, usually. But I really like this one.

[lgsoltek]

I like the shading part of this ink. But I don't like the drier part. It's too blue for my taste.

[wastelanded]

Love this ink, and I didn't think I would.

[amberleadavis]

I keep looking at this ink, but haven't bitten the bullet. Thank you for the review!

[Blackhorse]

I didn't think I liked this one...til your review. Love the look of the written samples. Very nice greenish. Many thanks. Just got a new Pilot Custom 74 (M) in the Dark Green color and looking for a cool ink for it. This just may be it!

Edited June 8, 2015 by Blackhorse

[Misfit]

The blog The Well Appointed Desk had this ink in a link love email. One look and wow, I had to look for it. jetpens.com sells 15ml bottles, which seems like a good way to try it. The writing samples here still make it look good to me.

 

So it will go on my birthday list. Thank you for the review.

Edited August 2, 2015 by Misfit

[haruka337]

I like the shading part of this ink. But I don't like the drier part. It's too blue for my taste.

It's predominantly green. The only time one sees the underlying blue is when the ink first comes into contact with the paper. Though, once the ink is dried, it's gone.

 

The color was an acquired taste, but it's really grown on me over the 5 years I've had it--love it so.

[Zhenni]

A sample of Syo-ro just arrived today, and I was struck immediately by how similar it looked inked up to De Atramentis Mint Turquoise. Using a dip pen,they look very different, so it was an interesting surprise. Of course Mint Turquoise is one of those colors that can really change its appearance based on the pen and paper used. I have some more testing to do!

[amberleadavis]

A sample of Syo-ro just arrived today, and I was struck immediately by how similar it looked inked up to De Atramentis Mint Turquoise. Using a dip pen,they look very different, so it was an interesting surprise. Of course Mint Turquoise is one of those colors that can really change its appearance based on the pen and paper used. I have some more testing to do!

 

Really? My mint turquoise was much lighter.... and surprisingly water proof.

[Zhenni]

I had Mint Turquoise in a wet medium, and Syo-ro in a dry stub, and they looked very similar. When I switched out the inks, and tested in the exact same pen, then Syo-ro looked darker like it should.

[amberleadavis]

I had Mint Turquoise in a wet medium, and Syo-ro in a dry stub, and they looked very similar. When I switched out the inks, and tested in the exact same pen, then Syo-ro looked darker like it should.

 

Ah, that makes sense.

[Misfit]

Now that I've used both, I like Mint Turquoise better. I'm glad I got the small bottle of Syo-Ro. I should give it a try in another pen, I know.

[amberleadavis]

Now that I've used both, I like Mint Turquoise better. I'm glad I got the small bottle of Syo-Ro. I should give it a try in another pen, I know.

 

I like Mint Turquoise too.

[mulrich]

I got a small bottle of Syo-Ro and I think it will become my go-to ink for my green-striped Pelikan. Seems like a nice match.