Kyo-iro - Cherry Blossoms of Keage

Kyo-iro Cherry Blossoms of Keage - ink drop

Today’s ink, Cherry Blossoms of Keage is from Kyoto-based Takeda Jimuki for their TAG stationery Kyo-iro ink line. Kyo-iro (Kyoto colors) inks are inspired by the beauty and culture of Kyoto. Located near Kyoto’s must-see Nanzen-ji temple complex, Keage incline is a 582-meter slope of railway tracks. This heritage site lined with cherry blossom trees is a famous spot for viewing the changing blossoms each spring, with each day presenting a new face.

Kyo-iro Cherry Blossoms of Keage - color range

Cherry Blossoms of Keage is a beautiful, deep red pink. It’s a lovely shading ink on premium papers. Light areas bring cherry blossom petals to mind, while dark areas match the deeper colors of blossoms after the petals have fallen. The ink has a wonderful, textured appearance that readily conveys emotion. A modest edge halo develops on premiums, adding definition without distracting the eye. Office copy loses much of the shading and halo, but it allows the darker elements in the coloration to thrive and blossom.

Kyo-iro Cherry Blossoms of Keage - shading and edge

Like many Kyoto TAG inks, Keage is on the dry side, but it’s comfortable and flows nicely. In a wet pen, I like it very much. Strokes were clean and sharp on all papers. Drying was fast at 10-15 seconds on premiums, and under 5 on office copy.

Kyo-iro Cherry Blossoms of Keage - ink swatch card

I’m a big fan of Kyoto TAG inks, and Cherry Blossoms of Keage is a very beautiful selection. I recommend using it in a wetter pen. I also like premium papers for the shading variation, but this ink is great on standard office copy, as well. This is a beautiful, elegant ink.