Pilot Iroshizuku Murasaki Shikibu 50 ml Fountain Pen Ink

Pilot Iroshizuku Murasaki Shikibu 50 ml Fountain Pen Ink

Murasaki Shikibu is an elegant medium violet fountain pen ink inspired by one of the most evocative names in Japanese culture. Its refined colour conveys sensitivity, introspection and literary beauty, making it an excellent choice for writers seeking both personality and subtle sophistication in their everyday writing.

The Iroshizuku collection takes its name from the Japanese words iro (colour) and shizuku (droplet), reflecting Pilot’s ambition to capture the essence of Japan through ink. In the case of Murasaki Shikibu, the name carries a particularly rich cultural duality that makes this one of the most fascinating colours in the collection.

The term “Murasaki Shikibu” (ムラサキシキブ) is also the Japanese name for Callicarpa japonica, commonly known as Japanese beautyberry, a shrub admired for its clusters of vivid violet berries that appear in autumn. The colour of these berries has long been associated with elegance and refinement in Japanese aesthetics.

At the same time, Murasaki Shikibu is the name by which one of Japan’s most celebrated literary figures is known. Although her real name has been lost to history, she was the author of The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari), widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements of Japanese literature and often considered the world’s first psychological novel.

The writer received the name Murasaki Shikibu after her lifetime, combining “Murasaki”, a central female character in her novel, with “Shikibu”, likely referring to her father’s position within the Ministry of Ceremonial at the imperial court. Her masterpiece is renowned for its psychological depth, complex narrative structure and profound influence on later Japanese literature.

This cultural ambiguity — between the violet-fruited shrub and the celebrated Heian-period author — adds a unique symbolic dimension to the ink. The result is a colour that evokes both the beauty of nature and the intellectual refinement of classical Japanese culture.

Concept and Design

Murasaki Shikibu presents a beautifully balanced violet tone that is both elegant and expressive. Depending on the paper and nib used, it can display subtle variations ranging from rich violet to softer lavender undertones, creating depth and visual interest on the page.

Performance and Compatibility

Like all Pilot Iroshizuku inks, Murasaki Shikibu is formulated with high-quality water-soluble dyes that provide smooth flow, excellent lubrication and reliable performance.

It is compatible with fountain pens from any manufacturer and performs particularly well in medium, broad and stub nibs, where its shading and tonal variation become especially noticeable.

The elegant 50 ml glass bottle, characteristic of the Iroshizuku collection, also makes filling easy even when the ink level becomes low.

Tip for Appreciating the True Colour

To fully appreciate the richness of Murasaki Shikibu, we recommend using quality papers such as the A5 Life Noble Note Plain Notebook or the A5 MD Notebook Journal Dot Grid, both of which beautifully showcase its violet shading and colour complexity.

Package Contents

The elegant glass bottle contains 50 ml of Pilot Iroshizuku Murasaki Shikibu fountain pen ink and is supplied in the distinctive Iroshizuku presentation box. (Colours displayed on screen are for reference only and may vary depending on the paper used.)

If you are looking for another colour from the Iroshizuku collection that is not currently listed, please contact us at inktraveler@inktraveler.com. We will be delighted to assist you.

Technical Specifications

• Colour: Murasaki Shikibu (violet inspired by Japanese cultural heritage)
• Ink type: water-based dye ink
• Volume: 50 ml
• Pilot Iroshizuku glass bottle
• Compatible with fountain pens of any brand
• Made in Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Murasaki Shikibu mean?
The name may refer both to the Japanese beautyberry shrub (Callicarpa japonica) and to the famous Heian-period author of The Tale of Genji.

Who was Murasaki Shikibu?
She was a Japanese writer of the Heian period and the author of The Tale of Genji, one of the most influential works in Japanese literary history.

Is it compatible with any fountain pen?
Yes. Like all Pilot Iroshizuku inks, it can be used safely in fountain pens from any manufacturer.

Does it show shading?
Yes. Medium, broad and stub nibs reveal particularly attractive violet shading and tonal variation.

Is it suitable for everyday writing?
Absolutely. Its balance between personality, readability and smooth flow makes it an excellent everyday ink.

Discover More

To explore the full range of Iroshizuku colours, you can watch this official Pilot video: watch video.

Your Opinion Matters

If you have enjoyed this ink, we encourage you to share your experience directly on this page. Your feedback helps fellow writing enthusiasts discover new colours and provides valuable information to the fountain pen community.

You may also leave a review on Trustpilot if you prefer. Every review helps us continue improving day after day.

History and Philosophy of the Brand

Since 1918, Pilot has combined traditional Japanese craftsmanship with technical innovation to create writing instruments that unite precision, beauty and functionality. The Iroshizuku collection transforms elements of Japanese nature and culture into colours capable of conveying emotion through writing.

"Some colours are born from nature. Others are born from stories that survive for centuries."