from Jacques Herbin of France

"Les encres essentielles" bottled fountain pen ink

• glass bottle

• 50ml fountain pen ink

• water based

• dye colourants

Also available in cartridge form.

Writing with ink and pen is much more than just writing: it gives body and colour to our thoughts.

• • •

Established in Paris in 1670 – when King Louis XIV was 32 years old – the Maison HERBIN initially specialised in sealing wax, fine stationery and ink trade, and imported shellac from India. In 1798 the Maison changed tack and put its faith in the future: whilst continuing to produce wax and engage in the paper and colour (pigments) trade, it launched production of its own writing ink on the initiative of JACQUES HERBIN, member of the fourth generation.

Over the years, voyages, and successive buyouts, the product range expanded, innovations were introduced, and trademarks registered. During this period, additions included Encre violette (Violet ink, used in schools of the French Third Republic) Perle des Encres (Pearl of inks) and Encres des Voyageurs (Traveller’s ink). These developments resulted in the Maison winning numerous awards in the days of the great industry exhibitions in London and Paris.

A subsidiary of the Exacompta Clairefontaine group since 2003, the Maison HERBIN has now expanded its offer with the exclusive JACQUES HERBIN Collection. 

The Essential inks with their sober and elegant sheen, echo the nuances of watercolour colours without excess or artifice.