3 Oysters - Cinnabar

3 Oysters Cinnabar Ink drop

During the summer of 2025, 3 Oysters released the twenty-ink “Basic” series. I haven’t been able to confirm that it is available outside Korea, yet, but I’m sure it will be. Analyzing the collection gives an interesting look at where 3 Oysters sees the trends. It’s a nice collection, but rather than balanced across the full spectrum, it seems to focus on two styles. There are ten dark, luxurious inks, and ten lighter inks with nice shading properties. I picked up two to review.

3 Oysters Cinnabar fountain pen ink swatches

Cinnabar is the only real red in the Basic ink series, but it is quite a beauty! It’s a lovely pigeon’s blood, crimson red. In swatches, it often has a pillowy, powdery textured look that really leans into that luxuriousness. There are hints of sheen, but I wouldn’t call it a sheening ink. Different papers bring out slightly different color qualities, but this is a celebration of dark red!

3 Oysters Cinnabar fountain pen ink swatches

In writing, it’s bold and confident with crisp, well-defined stroke profiles that give it depth. The possibility of spreading or feathering never comes to mind. In feel, it’s very smooth and consistent. In flow, it’s slightly on the watery side, but not in a bad way. This is a very enjoyable ink.

3 Oysters Cinnabar fountain pen ink writing sample

3 Oyster’s Basic series is misleadingly named. What is basic are the incredible prices! MSRP for these 30 ml bottles is KW7,000 (US$4.75), but everywhere I’ve seen them the price is actually KW5,600 (US$3.75). That makes them some of the cheapest inks on the market! Cinnabar is a beautiful red, and I highly recommend it. I bought two colors at BlueBlack in Seoul, but I’m sure I’ll choose a few more before long!

3 Oysters Cinnabar Fountain Pen Ink Swatch Card

3 Oysters Cinnabar Fountain Pen Ink Swatch Card Comparisons

3 Oysters Cinnabar Fountain Pen Ink 30 ml Bottle