Taccia Ukiyoe Kuniyoshi Azuki 40 ml Fountain Pen Ink
The Taccia Ukiyoe Kuniyoshi Azuki is part of the third edition of Taccia’s Ukiyo-e Ink Collection, inspired by the work of the celebrated Japanese artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798–1861), one of the last great masters of ukiyo-e woodblock printing. Renowned for his boundless imagination, bold compositions and fascination with legendary warriors, supernatural creatures and dramatic scenes, Kuniyoshi revolutionised the art of his time and continues to inspire artists and enthusiasts around the world.
Taccia’s Ukiyo-e collection began in 2020 with a first series inspired by the works of Hokusai and Sharaku, followed in 2021 by a second collection dedicated to Hiroshige and Utamaro. This third edition pays tribute to Kuniyoshi through a selection of colours inspired by some of his most iconic images, bringing the visual richness of ukiyo-e into the world of writing.
The inks in this series share a distinctive characteristic: they are predominantly deep, dark shades capable of conveying the dramatic intensity present in many of Kuniyoshi’s compositions. The collection consists of seven colours: Azuki (muted reddish brown), Keshizumi (charcoal grey), Budou Nezu (purple grey), Kuro Midori (deep dark green), Uguisucha (dark yellow-brown), Kuromurasaki (deep black purple) and Akane (dark red).
Azuki: The Colour of the Japanese Red Bean
Azuki (小豆) takes its name from the small red bean that has been part of Japanese cuisine for centuries. Widely used in traditional sweets such as anko, sweet red bean paste, azuki beans have long been associated with prosperity, protection and good fortune. Because of their reddish colour, they were often regarded as symbols of positive energy and featured in celebrations and rituals.
Taccia transforms this traditional symbolism into a sophisticated muted reddish-brown shade rich in character and nuance. Far removed from bright reds, Azuki recalls aged fabrics, weathered wood and traditional Japanese pigments, creating a colour that feels both warm and timeless.
Within the Kuniyoshi collection, this colour contributes a sense of warmth and depth that complements the dramatic atmosphere of the artist’s work. Its balance between red and brown creates an elegant, understated and remarkably versatile ink for everyday writing.
Writing Experience
Azuki offers a smooth and pleasant writing experience with a complex tone that can reveal reddish, brown and even subtle burgundy undertones depending on the paper, lighting and nib width.
Its excellent readability and distinctive personality make it an outstanding choice for journals, correspondence, travel notebooks, illustration and creative projects where a warm and sophisticated colour is desired.
Package Contents
40 ml bottle of Taccia Ukiyoe Kuniyoshi Azuki fountain pen ink.
Photographs are provided for reference only. Ink appearance may vary depending on monitor settings, paper type and writing conditions.
If you would like more information about this ink or other colours in Taccia’s Ukiyo-e collection, please contact us. We will be pleased to assist you.
Technical Specifications
• Colour: Azuki (Reddish Brown)
• Collection: Ukiyo-e Ink Collection
• Series: Utagawa Kuniyoshi
• Type: Fountain pen ink
• Formulation: Water-soluble dye-based ink
• Capacity: 40 ml
• Made in Japan
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Azuki mean?
Azuki (小豆) is the Japanese word for the traditional red bean widely used in Japanese sweets and cuisine. Its colour has long been associated with prosperity and good fortune.
Is it a red or a brown ink?
Azuki sits between the two. It is primarily a deep reddish-brown shade with warm undertones that vary according to paper and lighting conditions.
Is it made in Japan?
Yes. All Taccia Ukiyo-e inks are developed and manufactured in Japan.
Your Opinion Matters
If you have used this ink, we invite you to share your experience directly on this page. Your feedback helps other enthusiasts discover new colours and contributes to the writing community.
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History and Philosophy of the Brand
Taccia combines international design with Japanese craftsmanship to create inks and writing instruments inspired by Japan’s culture, history and traditional arts. The Ukiyo-e collection is one of the finest examples of this philosophy, transforming masterpieces of Japanese printmaking into contemporary writing experiences.
"The warmest colours often carry the oldest stories."
