Tono and Lims - Chigyoraku (知魚楽)

Tono and Lims - Chigyoraku - Ink drop

Tono & Lims recently released six, re-formulated limited-edition inks from previous years. These inks are officially available at pen shows, and their Space Walk and Ink Lab events (I bought mine at an Ink Lab event in May 2024). However, a quick search shows today’s original ink is still available to order at at least one retailer.

Tono and Lims Chigyoraku fountain pen ink color

This is Chigyoraku (知魚楽). The name comes from an old parable in Chinese philosophy discussing the nature of truth that says, “I know the pleasures of the fish in the river through my own joy, as I walk along the same river.” The bottle’s label shows two small fish swimming by the characters of the name on a background of the ink’s base color.

Ink Swatches on Cosmo Air Light and Tomoe River

To call this a purple is a crime of simplicity. This a very complex ink, and different papers bring out different aspects. On Tomoe River (old), the base is almost a grape soda purple, but on many others, it’s much more a dramatic, dusty rose that deepens to a pinkish-purple. The color is filled with emotion, and the sadness of loss, but it’s attractive in the way some people see beauty in faded, dried roses. There is a lot of really nice shading, and I can see it being very expressive and appealing as an art ink.

Writing sample on Cosmo Air Snow paper

At the same time, it’s a very fine writing ink. Strokes were crisp and clean on most high-quality papers. On office copy, it isn’t quite as sharp, but it isn’t bad at all. There’s a nice dark stroke profile on most coated papers, and drying was around average or better on all.

Tono and Lims Chigyoraku ink writing samples

I like the ways this ink carries emotion both happy and sad. Overall, it performed quite well, too. Specific Tono & Lims inks aren’t always the easiest to find, but as mentioned, they are offering it at some 2024 pen shows, and Tono & Lims events. As of June 2024, you can still find the original at some retailers, too. Enjoy!

Tono and Lims Chigyoraku - Swatch Card

Tono and Lims Chigyoraku - Swatch Comparisons

Tono and Lims Chigyoraku - 30 ml Ink Bottle and Box