Iroshizuku Tsuyu-kusa

Pilot Iroshizuku - Tsuyu-kusa - Ink drop

At the end of 2021, Pilot discontinued three of their Iroshizuku series inks. Tsuyu-kusa is one of those three. Although a beautiful ink, middle blue is a crowded area in the Iroshizuku line, and of the three inks discontinued, it’s the one I feel easiest about.

Pilot Iroshizuku - Tsuyu-kusa - Color range

Tsuyu-kusa is a bright, middle blue. It has a cottony appearance that gives it a wonderful softness despite its strength. It’s a nice shading ink, and light areas accentuate the softness.

Pilot Iroshizuku - Tsuyu-kusa - Edge and sheen

As a writing ink, Tsuyu-kusa is nice and wet, and flows smoothly on the page. It’s a very comfortable ink. Drying time is a bit longer than some, but not a problem. On some papers, there can be a little feathering, but it’s not a concern on friendly, coated papers. It’s a very nice writing ink.

Pilot Iroshizuku - Tsuyu-kusa - Ink swatch card

As you can see in the comparison image, in the Iroshizuku line, Tsuyu-kusa sits between Kon-peki and Asa-gao. There are important differences, but they are very similar overall. Of the three inks discontinued, this one makes the most sense to me, but I encourage you to try it. It should still be available for some time.

Pilot Iroshizuku - Tsuyu-kusa - Ink bottle and box