Antigua’s - Scarlet

Antigua’s - Scarlet - Ink drop

Antigua’s Scarlet is the kind of ink that people immediately enjoy. It instantly reminds me of Pilot’s Iroshizuku Yama-budo, a favorite of many, and in writing, it compares very well. You’re going to like this one!

Antigua’s - Scarlet - Color Range

Despite the name, Antigua’s Scarlet is much more a mountain grape than a true scarlet red. Like Yama-budo, Scarlet is a gorgeous, rich magenta. Side-by-side, it clearly leans more purple and less fuchsia. It’s a decadent and luxurious reddish purple with a very confident personality.

Ink Swatches on Cosmo Air Light and Tomoe River

Strokes were clean and sharp on all papers tested. Coated papers produce nice shading and a distinctive, darkened stroke edge, as well. There’s sheening in saturated areas of the swatches, but in writing it very rarely can be found, and that may make it more usable in some ways. I think this is a friendly ink for everyday use.

Nice Shading Accents on Cosmo Air Snow

In terms of writing experience, Scarlet is as rich and luxurious in flow and feel, as it is in color. It’s a very comfortable ink on the page. I didn’t have any problems with feathering or spread. Show-through is an issue on cheaper papers, but for an ink in this color category, I’d be surprised if it wasn’t.

Antigua’s - Scarlet - Writing Samples

Scarlet is a very nice ink, beautiful on the page and in use. Antigua’s uses the lovely 50 ml bottles that Pelikan uses for its Edelstein series. At just EUR11.99 a bottle, it’s a real bargain, too! You can find it at www.antiguas.es. (And good news! Starting in January 2024, full international shipping will be available!)

Antigua’s - Scarlet - Swatch Card

Special thanks to Miguel Angel at Antigua’s for providing the ink (but his generosity hasn’t influenced my review in any way), and to Maria at www.inksinspiration.com for sending them as a surprise! Check out both of their websites!

Antigua’s - Scarlet - Comparisons

50 ml Bottle - (Image from www.antiguas.es)