ZIG CARTOONISTBLACKINK6060mlCNCE104-6 Kuretake (Japan Import)

Kuretake make two very similar inks which are easily confused. Each comes in the same low profile black plastic bottle. This one is described as "Black Ink 60" and is wrapped in a black label; the other is called "Sumi Ink 60" and is wrapped with a white label. However, the former is also described elsewhere on the label as "sumi ink". The 60 seems to correspond to the 60ml contents. The ink under review describes itself as "very quick drying Sumi ink for Manga drawing". The other type, with the white label, describes itself as "very smooth flowing ink for Manga drawing". The white label version says it is waterproof when dry; the black label version does not say this, at least not in English. These are both pigment based black inks which are unsuitable for fountain pens. These are both high quality sumi drawing inks which produce a clean line off a dip nib. Off a paint brush they can both dry to a slight sheen if applied generously. Off a brush but less liberally applied both will dry to a slight texture. Both are very black and readily diluted. I have not been able to detect any discernible difference between the two inks, unless it is that that the black label version, the subject of this review, dries more quickly. The plastic bottle has a pleasingly wide neck and the bottle cannot easily be tipped over. The cap can be hard to unscrew if the bottle is not opened for a while - you might need one of those small perforated rubber sheets which handily assist to open recalictrant ink bottles. These are both high quality, dependable inks for drawing, calligraphy and washes. I have not found either one to be entirely waterproof in the sense of not reacting at all to water when dry. Overall, excellent ink.

honestly this product is worth five stars, the ink is lightfast and adheres well no matter what paper you use it with. it flows nicely with all the pens i've tried it with [kuretake zig cartoonist dip pen, handmade glass pen, speedball pen) and it's very opaque.the ink itself is amazing. what is not amazing is the bottle. after about a month or two of semi-regular use, the lid just locked up, and several people stronger than me [for i am not the strongest of men] couldn't even get it to budge. i managed to prise it open with a scalpel but last night it seized up again and i had to cut open the side of the bottle and pour the ink into a spare medicine bottle. IF YOU BUY THIS INK, TRANSFER IT INTO ANOTHER CONTAINER THE SECOND IT ARRIVES.

Excellent black drawing ink. This is the latest in my exploration of black india ink. When I started out, I thought one black ink would be much like another, but they all have their own idiosyncracies. This one is a dense black and It brushes out beautifully to an even, matt finish. It is waterproof once dry - I made a drawing, then applied suminagashi marbling which involves dunking the page in a tray of water and it was just fine, so I don't know what the one star reviewers were complaining about. However, if you rub it really hard when re-wetted you might get a bit of faint smearing. It is reasonably quick to dry and can be erased over in minutes. However, it doesn't bloom quite as beautifully as Dr PH Martin Black Star when brushed on to wet paper and when diluted has a distinct brown tint.

Beautiful, dense, warm-toned, expressive black ink. I'm using with both Kuretake and Pilot brush pens, with stunning results.Absolutely gorgeous - flows like liquid darkness ;)

The ink came with a caramel hard sweet which was a nice touch in customer service. The son was too pleased. Ink quality is water based and holds up more than thicker inks. Thank you