Sailor Ink Studio 123 Fountain Pen Ink 20 ml
Sailor Ink Studio 123 Fountain Pen Ink 20 ml is arguably the most famous and recognisable ink in the entire Sailor Ink Studio collection. Chosen in early 2026 as users' favourite colour in an official Sailor vote among the colours still available in the range, Ink Studio 123 has captivated writers, artists and fountain pen enthusiasts worldwide thanks to a remarkably unusual characteristic: its ability to transform visually depending on the paper, nib and amount of ink applied to the page.
The Story Behind Sailor Ink Studio
Since 2005, Sailor has organised Ink Studio events in Japan, where the company's master colour mixer, Osamu Ishimaru, creates custom colours for participants using a genuine ink-mixing bar. Over the years, more than 20,000 different colours were developed, drawing on both accumulated expertise and feedback from thousands of users.
In 2018, Sailor launched an ambitious project: selecting one hundred representative colours from the more than 20,000 shades created through these events. The result was the Ink Studio collection, a series in which traditional colour names disappeared and every ink became identified solely by a number. Part of the experience lies precisely in avoiding preconceived ideas and discovering each colour for yourself.
Each number represents a unique formula developed by Sailor. Among them all, 123 has become a favourite among enthusiasts thanks to its extraordinary colour variation and unique behaviour on different papers.
The Most Popular Ink in the Ink Studio Collection
During Sailor's official "INK STUDIO COLOR VOTE" event held in 2026, Ink Studio 123 achieved first place among the colours still available in the collection. The result confirmed what many fountain pen users had believed for years: 123 is one of the most original and fascinating inks Sailor has ever produced.
Many enthusiasts consider it the perfect representation of the Ink Studio philosophy: an ink whose appearance constantly changes according to the paper, nib and ink concentration, making every page look slightly different.
Participants frequently highlighted its ability to reveal completely different personalities depending on the paper used, together with the remarkable complexity of its shading. It is an ink that continually encourages experimentation and discovery.
A Truly Chameleon-Like Ink
Describing the colour of Sailor Ink Studio 123 is surprisingly difficult. At first glance it may appear to be a soft grey with violet undertones, yet that description captures only part of its personality. Depending on the paper, nib width and ink saturation, subtle shades of lilac, mauve, blue, green and even turquoise may emerge.
This chromatic variability is one of the defining characteristics of the Ink Studio series. Ink Studio 123 has become a classic example of multi-shading ink, capable of displaying several colours simultaneously within a single word or stroke.
Exceptional Shading Performance
One of the most admired characteristics of Ink Studio 123 is its extraordinary shading. Areas with heavier ink concentration reveal deeper colours, while lighter areas display completely different hues.
This behaviour transforms every page into a unique visual experience. Although some users feel it can appear somewhat light when used with extra-fine nibs, its remarkable colour complexity and shading more than compensate for this characteristic.
The combination of grey, violet, blue and greenish undertones has made Ink Studio 123 one of the most admired references among enthusiasts who enjoy exploring the expressive possibilities of fountain pen ink.
Writing Experience
As expected from a high-quality Sailor ink, Ink Studio 123 provides a smooth, pleasant and reliable writing experience. Its balanced flow allows users to fully appreciate the colour transitions without sacrificing readability.
This is a non-waterproof dye-based fountain pen ink designed primarily for enjoyment of colour and writing experience. It dries relatively quickly and performs exceptionally well on fountain pen friendly papers.
Recommended Papers
To fully appreciate everything Ink Studio 123 has to offer, we recommend using high-quality Japanese papers such as those available in our Japanese writing paper section. Different papers can reveal completely different aspects of this ink, allowing users to appreciate its colour shifts, exceptional shading and tonal transitions that have made it one of the most beloved inks in the entire Ink Studio collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the actual colour of Ink Studio 123?
There is no single answer. Depending on the paper and nib used, it may appear grey, violet, blue, green or turquoise.
Is this a waterproof ink?
No. Ink Studio 123 is a water-soluble dye-based fountain pen ink.
Why is it so popular?
Because it combines extreme shading, unusual colour variation and a remarkable chameleon-like character that changes according to the paper used.
Does it include any accessories?
Yes. Sailor includes three numbered stickers that can be attached to converters, helping users identify the ink they are using.
Package Contents
The product includes one glass bottle containing 20 ml of Sailor Ink Studio 123 fountain pen ink, three identification stickers for converters and an official Sailor cardboard box. (Product photographs are for reference only and slight variations may exist between images and the actual product.)
Technical Specifications
• Brand: Sailor
• Collection: Ink Studio
• Number: 123
• Volume: 20 ml
• Ink type: water-based fountain pen ink
• Approximate weight: 94 g
• Bottle dimensions: 34 × 34 × 58 mm
• Box dimensions: 37.5 × 37.5 × 61 mm
• Includes 3 converter identification stickers
• Made in Japan
The Sailor Philosophy
Founded in Hiroshima in 1911, Sailor is one of Japan's leading names in the world of writing. Its continuous pursuit of new colours and unique writing experiences has resulted in some of the most innovative ink collections available today.
The Ink Studio series perhaps represents this philosophy better than any other collection, celebrating experimentation, creativity and the endless exploration of colour.
"Sometimes an ink does not have a colour. It has one hundred possibilities."
