Kyoto TAG (Kyo No Oto) - Bengarairo
Kyoto TAG (Kyo No Oto) Bengarairo - Ink drop
Rich and delicious! Bengarairo is the most recent addition to the Kyo No Oto series. I picked this and two other TAG inks (a newer limited edition from the Kyo No Oto series, and a spare bottle of my favorite from their Kyo Iro series) up at their main store in Kyoto this summer. The visit felt a bit like a pilgrimage!
Ink Swatches on Cosmo Air Light and Tomoe River
Bengarairo is used to refer to the color of the mineral pigment red iron oxide. It is a popular pigment used in dyeing. TAG’s Bengarairo is the rusty red earth brown that you would expect in terms of color. The red influences are more prominent on Rhodia than on most of my other standard testing papers, but on Takasago Bank paper they are really the highlight feature of the color! As you can see in my longer writing sample, Bengarairo is a nice shading ink, as well.
Ink Swatches on Takasago Bank and Iroful Paper
If I didn’t know this was a TAG ink, I wouldn’t have guessed it from the feel of the writing experience. TAG inks are generally thought of as drier writing inks, but that isn’t the case here. (I’ve actually noticed that difference in the newest couple of inks in their lineup, so maybe it is something they are actively adjusting.) I wouldn’t call this a wet ink, but it is definitely not dry, either. The viscosity is richer giving a luxurious writing feel. In performance, it was consistent, clean, and true. I didn’t have problems with feathering or spreading. This is a very nice writing ink.
Kyoto TAG (Kyo No Oto) Bengarairo writing sample on Cosmo Air Snow paper
In darker browns, I like strong influences of orange or red, so Bengarairo appeals to me (especially on Rhodia or Bank papers). I think the writing experience will please people who normally find TAG inks overly dry. This is a well-balanced ink in feel and performance, and I’m happy to have a bottle. If you’re going to Kyoto, their main store is conveniently located and well worth your time.
Kyoto TAG (Kyo No Oto) Bengarairo ink swatch card
Kyoto TAG (Kyo No Oto) Bengarairo comparisons
Kyoto TAG (Kyo No Oto) Bengarairo 40 ml bottle