Nagasawa Kobe 03 Kyu-Kyoryuchi Sepia 50 ml Fountain Pen Ink
The Nagasawa Kobe 03 kyu-kyoryuchi Sepia 50 ml Fountain Pen Ink is part of the prestigious Kobe INK Monogatari collection, a series created by Nagasawa Bungu Center to capture the character of Kobe through colour. This particular ink takes its inspiration from Kyu-Kyoryuchi, Kobe’s historic Former Foreign Settlement, a district renowned for its elegant Western-style architecture and unique atmosphere.
Its sepia tone combines warm brown hues with remarkable depth and refinement, recalling antique photographs, historical documents and the noble materials that still define many of the district’s late nineteenth-century buildings.
Kobe INK Monogatari and the colours of Kobe
Kobe INK Monogatari was created to express the spirit of Kobe through ink. Each colour in the collection is linked to a specific location within the city, transforming landscapes, neighbourhoods, gardens, mountains and cultural landmarks into a writing experience.
Since its introduction in 2007, the collection has steadily expanded and become one of Japan’s most respected regional ink series. Manufactured by Sailor for Nagasawa Bungu Center, these inks are admired for both their colour quality and their close connection to the history and geography of Kobe.
Kyu-Kyoryuchi: Kobe’s Former Foreign Settlement
Following the opening of Kobe Port to international trade in the nineteenth century, a district was established for foreign residents and businesses. Known as Kyu-Kyoryuchi (旧居留地), the area still preserves wide boulevards, elegant Western-inspired façades and some of Kobe’s most iconic historic buildings.
Walking through Kyu-Kyoryuchi reveals a different side of Kobe, where Western influences blend naturally with Japanese aesthetics. Historic cafés, boutiques, stone buildings and commercial spaces create an atmosphere of sophistication and historical charm.
Kyu-Kyoryuchi Sepia seeks to capture precisely that atmosphere. Its colour evokes aged documents, polished wood, vintage leather and historical photographs, making it one of the most elegant brown inks within the entire collection.
Writing performance and experience
Kyu-Kyoryuchi Sepia provides a smooth and well-balanced writing experience, with a consistent flow that allows its warm undertones to be fully appreciated. Depending on the paper and nib used, subtle tonal variations can appear, adding depth and character to every line.
Its colour is particularly well suited to journals, correspondence, sketching, urban drawing and reflective writing. Medium, broad and stub nibs reveal its shading characteristics especially well.
Tip for appreciating the true colour
To fully appreciate the subtle shading and depth of Kyu-Kyoryuchi Sepia, we recommend using high-quality Japanese papers such as the Graphilo × Nagasawa A5 Kobe Ink Notebook or the Nagasawa Kobe Font × Graphilo A5 Plain Notebook, where its shading and tonal complexity can be appreciated at their best.
Package Contents
50 ml glass bottle of Nagasawa Kobe 03 Kyu-Kyoryuchi Sepia fountain pen ink. Supplied in the official Kobe INK Monogatari presentation box.
If you are looking for other colours from the Kobe INK Monogatari collection, please contact us at inktraveler@inktraveler.com. We will be pleased to assist you.
Technical Specifications
- Colour: Kyu-Kyoryuchi Sepia
- Collection: Kobe INK Monogatari
- Volume: 50 ml
- Ink type: fountain pen ink
- Manufactured by Sailor for Nagasawa Bungu Center
- Glass bottle
- Made in Japan
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Kyu-Kyoryuchi mean?
Kyu-Kyoryuchi literally means “Former Foreign Settlement” and refers to Kobe’s historic international district established after the opening of the port to foreign trade.
Is this a fountain pen ink?
Yes. It is specifically formulated for fountain pens and offers the writing characteristics associated with Sailor-made inks.
Is it water-resistant?
No. This is a water-based dye ink designed to provide an excellent writing experience and easy cleaning.
How should this ink be cared for?
As with any fountain pen ink, the bottle should be properly closed after use to minimise evaporation. When changing colours, it is recommended to clean the pen with water beforehand. Ink stains on fabrics may be difficult to remove and the product should be kept out of the reach of children.
What makes this colour special?
Its warm and elegant sepia tone evokes the historic architecture and refined atmosphere of Kobe’s Former Foreign Settlement.
Your Opinion Matters
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History and Philosophy of the Brand
Nagasawa Bungu Center, founded in Kobe in 1882, is one of Japan’s most historic stationery companies. Its Kobe INK Monogatari collection successfully combines writing, geography, culture and local identity through colours developed to represent specific locations throughout the city.
Manufactured by Sailor for Nagasawa, these inks allow users to discover Kobe through writing, transforming local landscapes and stories into a daily experience on paper.
"Some colours seem to preserve the quiet memory of the places that inspired them."
