Sailor Manyo Kikyou 50 ml Fountain Pen Ink
The Sailor Manyo Kikyou 50 ml Fountain Pen Ink belongs to the first edition of the Sailor Manyo collection launched internationally in November 2019. Inspired by the Japanese kikyō flower, traditionally regarded as one of the seven flowers of autumn mentioned in the Manyoshu, this ink displays an elegant blue-violet tone with soft yet deep undertones reminiscent of delicate Japanese bellflowers in bloom.
Manyo and the spirit of Japanese poetry
The Manyo collection takes its name from Manyoshu, “The Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves”, regarded as the oldest and most celebrated anthology of Japanese poetry. Over approximately four centuries, 4,516 poems were compiled exploring themes such as love, nature, the seasons and human emotions, reflecting a deeply sensitive vision of Japanese culture.
Flowers and plants played a central role within this poetic tradition, with more than 1,500 poems referring to around 160 plant species and nearly 50 different flowers. For the first Manyo ink series, Sailor selected eight plants to transform into colour: Haha, Yomogi, Sumire, Kikyou, Nekoyanagi, Akebi, Kuzu and Yamabuki.
Kikyou and the symbolism of the Japanese bellflower
The kikyō flower (ききょう / 桔梗), known botanically as Platycodon grandiflorus, is traditionally considered one of the seven flowers of autumn mentioned in the Manyoshu and the classical Aki no nanakusa tradition. Admired for its delicate star-shaped petals and vivid blue-violet tones, it symbolises elegance, honesty and the quiet beauty of the Japanese autumn. Sailor transforms that delicacy into a refined soft blue-purple ink especially suitable for daily writing, correspondence and journaling.
Depending on the paper and nib used, Kikyou may reveal subtle tonal variation and gentle natural shading, offering visually rich writing while maintaining excellent readability. At Inktraveler, we find it particularly interesting how this colour shifts between a luminous floral blue and a deeper violet tone depending on paper absorbency and fountain pen flow.
Compatibility and writing experience
This ink has been formulated exclusively for fountain pens, providing a smooth and balanced flow suitable for daily writing and regular fountain pen maintenance. Its water-based formulation allows easy cleaning and stable performance even in finer Japanese nibs. The 50 ml glass bottle also offers comfortable and reliable filling.
Paper recommendation to appreciate the colour
To fully enjoy Kikyou’s blue-violet nuances and subtle natural shading, we recommend high-quality Japanese papers such as the Midori Cotton Pad A5 or the Life Ginkouka Japanese Paper Pad, where its tonal variations become especially clear and refined.
Frequently asked questions
Is this ink suitable for fountain pens?
Yes. It is specifically formulated for fountain pens and should not be used in other writing systems.
Is this a waterproof ink?
No. This is a non-pigmented water-based ink and is not intended to be permanent.
Which nib sizes show the best shading?
Medium and broad nibs reveal Kikyou’s tonal variation and subtle shading particularly well.
Does Kikyou belong to the original Manyo collection?
Yes. Kikyou is part of the first international Sailor Manyo ink collection launched in 2019.
Package contents
50 ml Sailor Manyo glass ink bottle. Official Sailor paperboard box included. (Product photos are illustrative and slight variations may exist compared to the actual product).
Technical specifications
• Volume: 50 ml
• Ink type: water-based fountain pen ink
• Bottle dimensions: 53 × 44 × 70 mm
• Approximate weight: 203 g
• Packaging: official Sailor paperboard box
• Box dimensions: 55 × 47 × 76 mm
Further reading and guide
If you would like to discover more about the origin of this collection and explore additional colours from the series, you can read our dedicated guide to Sailor Manyo inks.
History and philosophy of Sailor
Founded in Hiroshima in 1911, Sailor is one of Japan’s most respected writing instrument companies. For more than a century, the brand has combined craftsmanship, technical research and Japanese aesthetic sensitivity to create fountain pens and inks admired around the world. With the Manyo collection, Sailor transforms classical poetry, nature and emotion into colour, creating a series that reflects the subtle relationship between writing and seasonal beauty in Japanese culture.
"Some colours seem to bloom silently on paper like the flowers of the Japanese autumn."
