Iroshizuku - Hana-ikada

Pilot Iroshizuku - Hana-ikada - Ink drop

Hana-ikada is another of the three inks Pilot added to the Iroshizuku line early in 2022. Cool in the swatch, it produces a somewhat warmer, fuller tone on most papers. I think it fills out the pink options in the line very nicely. I’ll really miss two of the three inks discontinued and feel they leave a hole in the series, but this is a nice addition.

Pilot Iroshizuku - Hana-ikada - Color Range

Like me, you may expect this to be a pale, sakura or cherry blossom pink, but in writing, there’s more substance than you may first imagine. Across test papers, I found more of a darker, plum blossom pink, and I’m quite pleased overall. However, I was surprised by the low levels of shading and color variation. As you can see in the splatter and swatch writing and the close up of strokes, this is a moderately saturated pink with very legible color and definition.

Pilot Iroshizuku - Hana-ikada - Beautiful Variation

This is a nice writing ink, but that’s the norm for an Iroshizuku, isn’t it. Flow was consistent and comfortable, but never overly wet. There’s no darkened edging, but it’s well controlled and crisp. Drying was average, and could be quicker, but was never a real problem.

Pilot Iroshizuku - Hana-ikada - Sample on Rhodia

I like this ink. I don’t think a lighter, more traditional sakura pink would be as well-received. I like the punch that the darker plum blossom elements add to the profile, and the way that it still maintains its delicacy. If Momiji is too bold, Hana-ikada may be just the right kind of Iroshizuku pink for you!

Pilot Iroshizuku - Hana-ikada - Ink Swatch Card

Pilot Iroshizuku - Hana-ikada - Ink Swatch Comparisons