Pilot Iroshizuku - Take-sumi (Bamboo Charcoal)

Pilot Iroshizuku Take-sumi (竹炭, "Bamboo Charcoal") reads as a classic black at first glance, but reveals soft charcoal-gray depth on closer inspection — a refined, understated alternative to a standard black ink. Shading is subtle, shifting between deep near-black and softer charcoal gray depending on nib and paper. Flow is smooth and consistent with a moderate dry time and better-than-average water resistance for the Iroshizuku line. Fountain pen safe across all nib sizes.

The Iroshizuku name comes from iro ("color") and shizuku ("droplet"), and each ink is named for a Japanese natural landscape or plant.

Specifications:

• Brand: Pilot
• Series: Iroshizuku
• Name: Take-sumi (竹炭) — "Bamboo Charcoal"
• Color: Deep charcoal black-gray
• Sheen: None
• Shading: Low
• Flow: Moderate
• Dry time: Moderate (~20–25 seconds)
• Shimmer: No
• Water resistance: Medium
• Compatible with: Fountain pens, dip pens, glass pens
• Country of origin: Japan