Pilot Iroshizuku Murasaki shikibu 15ml Fountain Pen Ink

Pilot Iroshizuku Murasaki shikibu 15ml Fountain Pen Ink

Murasaki shikibu is a refined, medium violet ink inspired by a Japanese flowering plant and its cultural resonance. Delicate yet expressive, it adds a poetic and thoughtful dimension to journals, notes or correspondence.

In Japanese, “murasaki shikibu” (ムラサキシキブ) also refers to the Callicarpa japonica, a shrub with small violet berries. Interestingly, this name is shared with one of Japan’s most important literary figures. While no formal link has been confirmed between the plant and the writer, the overlapping name and color have given rise to many cultural interpretations.

The writer known as Murasaki Shikibu lived during the Heian period (10th century). Her name is a later attribution that combines “Murasaki” —the heroine of her novel who eventually marries Genji— and “Shikibu”, likely a reference to her father’s position in the Ministry of Ceremonial. Her masterpiece, The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari), is considered the world’s first psychological novel. Composed of 54 chapters, it is praised for its detailed character studies, intricate emotional depth, and the early appearance of an antihero figure in the character of Kaoru.

This cultural ambiguity —a plant and a writer sharing the same name— adds a rich symbolic layer to this ink: evoking the natural purple tones of the berries, and the elegant, introspective spirit of classical Japanese literature.

Concept and Design

Murasaki shikibu ink conveys elegance, softness, and literary charm. Its violet tone is vibrant yet not overpowering, with subtle shading that adapts to the paper and pen used. The compact 15ml glass bottle is practical and beautifully designed, ideal for testing or gifting.

Functionality and Compatibility

Formulated for all fountain pens, this ink provides a smooth flow, quick drying, and clean lines. The 15ml size offers a great way to discover the Iroshizuku series or carry a compact ink supply for everyday use.

Tip for Best Color Perception

To fully appreciate the depth and richness of Murasaki shikibu, we recommend using high-quality papers such as the Midori MD Cotton Pad A5 or the Midori MD Cotton Pad A4, which enhance tone, detail, and ink character.

Package Contents

This elegant glass bottle contains 15ml of Pilot Iroshizuku Murasaki shikibu ink and is packaged in an individual box. (Colors shown may vary slightly depending on the paper used.)

If you're looking for another Iroshizuku color that is not listed, feel free to email us at inktraveler@inktraveler.com; we’ll be happy to assist you.

Technical Specifications

• Color: Murasaki shikibu (medium violet inspired by flower and classical Japanese culture)
• Volume: 15ml
• Compact glass bottle
• Compatible with all fountain pens
• Made in Japan

Brand Story

Since 1918, Pilot has blended traditional Japanese craftsmanship with technical innovation to create writing tools that combine function, beauty, and emotional depth. The Iroshizuku series is a reflection of this vision—transforming ink into a personal and cultural experience.

“With Pilot, write your world your way.”