Does this ink work with all fountain pen brands?

Yes, this ink is formulated for standard fountain pens and converter systems. The wide-mouth bottle accommodates most nib sizes for straightforward filling.

How long does a 50ml bottle typically last?

A 50ml bottle provides months of ink for regular use, depending on how often you write and the capacity of your pen. Most daily writers find this size lasts several months before needing a refill.

Will this orange color feather or bleed through paper?

The ink is designed for consistent flow without feathering on quality paper. Very thin or absorbent paper may show some bleed-through, as with most fountain pen inks.

Is this ink permanent or water-resistant?

This is a dye-based ink, which means it is not fully permanent or waterproof. Once dry, it resists minor smudging but will run if exposed to significant moisture.

Can I mix this ink with other colors?

While technically possible, mixing fountain pen inks from different manufacturers can affect flow and performance. It's safer to use this ink on its own or clean your pen thoroughly between different inks.

Shanghai Stationary Ink - The Emperor - 50ml

The 3-second version

Orange inspired by robes worn by Chinese emperors from 221 BC to 1911
50ml bottle provides months of ink for fountain pens and converters
Consistent flow without clogging or feathering on quality paper
May fade with prolonged sunlight exposure
Vivid orange tone stands out boldly on page

Why it's on GiftsFeed

Fountain pen ink in a vivid orange inspired by ancient Chinese imperial robes

Most fountain pen inks play it safe with blues, blacks, and the occasional burgundy. This one takes its cue from a color that once carried enough weight to be legally restricted—only emperors could wear this shade of orange across two thousand years of Chinese rule. That historical specificity gives you a writing color with actual narrative heft, not just another pretty bottle. If you've already filled a drawer with safe neutrals and want an orange that isn't novelty but isn't timid either, this is the one that works.

Good gift when

Fountain pen users who rotate multiple ink colors regularly
Writers who want historically rooted color without gimmicks
People who journal or draft by hand most days
Anyone building a collection beyond standard blues and blacks

Skip it if If you need archival permanence under direct sunlight or prefer subtle, understated ink shades, this vivid orange may not suit your work

Specs

Volume: 50ml
Ink Type: Fountain pen ink
Color: Orange
Collection: A Trip To Shanghai
Brand: Shanghai Stationary

What's included

One 50ml bottle of fountain pen ink

If you're giving it

No sizing to guess

Ships as a standard ink bottle; consider wrapping or a gift box if presenting.

The details

This fountain pen ink arrives in a shade of orange drawn from the robes worn by Chinese emperors across dynasties spanning from 221 BC to 1911. The color was once reserved exclusively for imperial use, forbidden to commoners, and remains a symbol of good fortune in Chinese culture today.

The 50ml bottle holds enough ink for months of regular writing, whether you're filling a journal, drafting correspondence, or sketching with a fountain pen. The formulation works with standard fountain pens and converter systems, delivering consistent flow without clogging or feathering on quality paper.

Part of the A Trip To Shanghai series, this ink connects your writing routine to a specific piece of Chinese history. The orange tone stands out on the page without veering into neon territory—it's saturated and warm, readable in most lighting, and distinct enough that your notes won't blend into the usual blues and blacks.

Each bottle is designed for easy filling, with a wide mouth that accommodates most pen nibs. The ink dries at a moderate pace, giving you time to adjust strokes without smudging once set. Over time, the color remains stable on archival paper, though extended sunlight exposure may cause gradual fading as with most dye-based inks.

If you rotate between several ink colors or dedicate different pens to different projects, this orange works well alongside more neutral tones. It's vivid enough for margin notes or corrections that need to jump off the page, yet controlled enough for longer passages when you want something warmer than standard black.

Galen Leather

Shanghai Stationary Ink - The Emperor - 50ml

50ml bottle from the A Trip To Shanghai collection

$29at galenleather.com

Quantity

Buy from Galen Leather

Ships and sold by Galen Leather. About this merchant

The 3-second version

Orange inspired by robes worn by Chinese emperors from 221 BC to 1911
50ml bottle provides months of ink for fountain pens and converters
Consistent flow without clogging or feathering on quality paper
May fade with prolonged sunlight exposure
Vivid orange tone stands out boldly on page

Cheaper alternatives

Questions

Does this ink work with all fountain pen brands?: Yes, this ink is formulated for standard fountain pens and converter systems. The wide-mouth bottle accommodates most nib sizes for straightforward filling.
How long does a 50ml bottle typically last?: A 50ml bottle provides months of ink for regular use, depending on how often you write and the capacity of your pen. Most daily writers find this size lasts several months before needing a refill.
Will this orange color feather or bleed through paper?: The ink is designed for consistent flow without feathering on quality paper. Very thin or absorbent paper may show some bleed-through, as with most fountain pen inks.
Is this ink permanent or water-resistant?: This is a dye-based ink, which means it is not fully permanent or waterproof. Once dry, it resists minor smudging but will run if exposed to significant moisture.
Can I mix this ink with other colors?: While technically possible, mixing fountain pen inks from different manufacturers can affect flow and performance. It's safer to use this ink on its own or clean your pen thoroughly between different inks.