Will this ink work in any fountain pen?

Yes, this ink is formulated for fountain pens with cartridge converters, piston fillers, and eyedropper fills. It is not compatible with ballpoint, rollerball, or gel pens.

How long does a 50ml bottle typically last?

For someone writing a page or two daily, a 50ml bottle usually lasts several months. Heavier users who journal extensively may go through it faster, while occasional writers can stretch it over a year or more.

Does this ink feather or bleed through paper?

On fountain-pen-friendly paper with some sizing, this ink should not feather or bleed. On absorbent or low-quality paper, you may see some spreading or show-through, which is typical of most fountain pen inks.

Is this ink waterproof or permanent?

No, this ink is not formulated to be waterproof or archival. It will fade over time with exposure to light and can be affected by moisture.

Can I mix this ink with other fountain pen inks?

Mixing inks is generally not recommended, as different formulations can react unpredictably and may clog your pen. If you want to switch inks, flush your pen thoroughly with water first.

Shanghai Stationary Ink - The Bund - 50ml

The 3-second version

50ml bottle supplies months of regular fountain pen use
Flows smoothly through fine, medium, and broad nibs
Dries quickly to minimize smudging when writing
Fountain pens only—not for other pen types
Will fade over time with light exposure
Requires fountain-pen-friendly paper to avoid feathering

Why it's on GiftsFeed

Fountain pen ink inspired by Shanghai's iconic waterfront

Most fountain pen users start with a handful of safe, standard colors and never venture beyond them. The result is drawers full of black and blue-black cartridges that all look the same on the page. This ink gives you a color tied to a specific place and mood without the commitment of a 100ml bottle that takes years to empty.

The 50ml size matters more than it sounds like it should. It's enough to use regularly without rationing but small enough that if you decide the color isn't right for you after a few weeks, you haven't sunk serious money or shelf space into it. For anyone building a rotation of inks or just starting to explore color, this volume is the practical middle ground.

Good gift when

Fountain pen users who write or journal most days
Writers seeking a distinctive ink color beyond basic black or blue
Anyone filling their first fountain pen and exploring ink options
People who prefer smaller bottles that don't occupy permanent desk space

Skip it if This ink is formulated for fountain pens only and will not work in ballpoint, rollerball, or gel pens. It's not archival-grade, so documents will fade over time with light exposure.

Specs

Volume: 50ml
Pen compatibility: Fountain pens
Bottle material: Glass

What's included

One 50ml glass bottle of fountain pen ink

If you're giving it

No sizing to guess

Ships in a glass bottle; consider protective packaging if sending by mail.

The details

This fountain pen ink takes its name from the historic riverside walkway that has defined Shanghai's skyline for over a century. The 50ml glass bottle holds enough ink for months of regular writing, whether you're filling a daily journal, drafting correspondence, or sketching in a notebook.

The formulation flows cleanly through fine, medium, and broad nibs without feathering on quality paper. Each fill delivers consistent color saturation from the first stroke to the last page, and the ink dries quickly enough to prevent smudging when you turn the page or close a notebook.

The bottle size strikes a practical balance for fountain pen users who write regularly but don't need a year's supply taking up desk space. The opening accommodates most converter and piston-fill pens for easy refilling, and the wide base keeps the bottle stable during filling so you're not chasing a toppled ink jar across your desk.

This ink works best on fountain-pen-friendly paper with some sizing. It's formulated for everyday writing rather than archival permanence, so it will fade over decades of light exposure. If you're filling a pen for the first time or switching from another ink, flush the feed thoroughly to prevent color mixing.

Galen Leather

Shanghai Stationary Ink - The Bund - 50ml

50ml bottle formulated for smooth, consistent writing in any nib size

$29at galenleather.com

Quantity

Buy from Galen Leather

Ships and sold by Galen Leather. About this merchant

The 3-second version

50ml bottle supplies months of regular fountain pen use
Flows smoothly through fine, medium, and broad nibs
Dries quickly to minimize smudging when writing
Fountain pens only—not for other pen types
Will fade over time with light exposure
Requires fountain-pen-friendly paper to avoid feathering

Cheaper alternatives

Questions

Will this ink work in any fountain pen?: Yes, this ink is formulated for fountain pens with cartridge converters, piston fillers, and eyedropper fills. It is not compatible with ballpoint, rollerball, or gel pens.
How long does a 50ml bottle typically last?: For someone writing a page or two daily, a 50ml bottle usually lasts several months. Heavier users who journal extensively may go through it faster, while occasional writers can stretch it over a year or more.
Does this ink feather or bleed through paper?: On fountain-pen-friendly paper with some sizing, this ink should not feather or bleed. On absorbent or low-quality paper, you may see some spreading or show-through, which is typical of most fountain pen inks.
Is this ink waterproof or permanent?: No, this ink is not formulated to be waterproof or archival. It will fade over time with exposure to light and can be affected by moisture.
Can I mix this ink with other fountain pen inks?: Mixing inks is generally not recommended, as different formulations can react unpredictably and may clog your pen. If you want to switch inks, flush your pen thoroughly with water first.