Nagasawa Kobe 09 Suma Purple 50 ml Fountain Pen Ink

Nagasawa Kobe 09 Suma Purple 50 ml Fountain Pen Ink

The Nagasawa Kobe 09 Suma Purple 50 ml Fountain Pen Ink is part of the Kobe INK Monogatari collection, created by Nagasawa Bungu Center to capture the landscapes, history and cultural identity of Kobe through colour. This ink is inspired by Suma, one of Kobe’s most celebrated districts, renowned for both its natural beauty and its importance in classical Japanese literature.

Its elegant purple tone reflects the noble atmosphere historically associated with Suma. Rich in cultural symbolism and visual depth, it is an excellent choice for writers seeking a colour with both character and historical significance.

Suma: history, poetry and coastal beauty

For centuries, Suma has occupied a special place in Japanese culture. Located between the sea and the mountains, this coastal area has inspired countless poems, stories and artistic works since ancient times. Its scenic shoreline and tranquil landscapes made it one of the most admired destinations of classical Japan.

Suma became particularly important during the Heian period, when members of the aristocracy were drawn to its peaceful setting. It is famously associated with The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari), one of the most important works of Japanese literature, in which Prince Genji spends part of his exile in Suma.

This strong connection with court culture and aristocratic life explains the choice of purple as the representative colour of the area. For centuries, purple was regarded as a symbol of nobility, prestige and high social status in Japan.

The meaning behind Suma Purple

Suma Purple seeks to capture this historical legacy through a refined and elegant purple tone inspired by colours traditionally associated with the imperial court and aristocratic culture.

Rather than representing a specific landscape, the ink evokes the cultural atmosphere that has surrounded Suma for generations. Within the Kobe INK Monogatari collection, it is one of the colours most closely linked to Kobe’s literary and historical heritage.

Writing performance and experience

Manufactured by Sailor for Nagasawa, Suma Purple offers a smooth and balanced writing experience. Its purple tone reveals different nuances depending on the paper and nib used, adding depth and visual richness without sacrificing readability.

Medium, broad and stub nibs are particularly effective at showcasing the ink’s shading and tonal variation, making it an excellent choice for journals, correspondence, calligraphy and personal writing.

Tip for appreciating the true colour

To fully appreciate the nuances of Suma Purple, we recommend using high-quality Japanese papers such as the Kobe Ink Notebook or the Kobe Font Notebook, where the colour's richness and shading can be appreciated particularly well.

Package Contents

50 ml glass bottle of Nagasawa Kobe 09 Suma Purple 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: Suma Purple
• Collection: Kobe INK Monogatari
• Volume: 50 ml
• Type: Fountain pen ink
• Manufactured by Sailor for Nagasawa Bungu Center
• Glass bottle
• Made in Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Suma Purple represent?
It represents the historical and cultural significance of Suma, one of Kobe’s most famous districts, known for its literary heritage and scenic beauty.

Why was purple chosen?
Purple has traditionally been associated with Japanese nobility and aristocratic culture, both closely connected to Suma and its role in classical literature.

Is it suitable for everyday writing?
Yes. Its good readability and balanced performance make it suitable for daily writing, journals, correspondence and creative projects.

How should it be stored?
As with any fountain pen ink, the bottle should be properly closed after use to minimise evaporation. Pens should be cleaned with water before changing colours. Ink stains on fabrics may be difficult to remove and the product should be kept out of reach of children.

Which nibs show its characteristics best?
Medium, broad and stub nibs generally reveal the shading and tonal variation of Suma Purple most effectively.

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. The Kobe INK Monogatari collection transforms the landscapes, traditions and cultural heritage of Kobe into colours capable of telling stories through writing.

Manufactured by Sailor for Nagasawa, these inks allow writers to discover Kobe from unique perspectives, turning every written page into a small journey through the city and its cultural heritage.

"Some colours are born from nature. Others are born from poems that survive the centuries."