Today’s Pilot Iroshizukuy Snow Crystal ink review features one of the new inks that Pilot added to the Iroshizuku ink collection in 2024. Rikka (or Snow Crystal) was added along with Syun-Gyo and To-Ro as part of an ink series expansion. However, the Snow Crystal (Rikka) fountain pen ink didn’t arrive for us to add to inventory until recently, in April 2025. So we thought we’d add it to the mix of ink reviews we have coming your way! Read on for all the details.

The Ink Maker: Pilot

Pilot is a powerhouse in the pen and ink world, and for good reason. This Japanese brand has been creating high-quality writing tools since 1918, and their fountain pen inks are no exception. The Iroshizuku line (named for the Japanese words iro, meaning “color,” and shizuku, meaning “droplet”) is known for its luxurious performance and colors inspired by the natural world.

Get to Know the Ink Series: Pilot Iroshizuku

Pilot’s Iroshizuku inks are a favorite among fountain pen lovers for their smooth writing experience, rich color saturation, and reliable performance. Whether you’re sketching, journaling, note-taking, or sending a heartfelt letter, the Iroshizuku line offers something elegant and expressive.

This Week’s Featured Ink: Pilot Iroshizuku Rikka / Snow Crystal

This week, we’re highlighting Pilot Iroshizuku Snow Crystal (also known as Rikka), a rich, frosty blue ink with subtle character. Inspired by the natural beauty of snow crystals in the wintertime, this darker teal-blue shade offers a crisp writing experience that somehow feels both calm and invigorating. We found it to be a lovely daily writer with premium traits.

Pilot Iroshizuku Snow Crystal Ink Review: Test Results

During our Pilot Iroshizuku Snow Crystal ink review, we tested the ink using a J. Herbin glass dip pen (which writes similarly to a medium nib) on Rhodia lined paper—and here’s how it performed:

All About the Ink Bottle and Packaging

Let’s talk packaging—because wow. The Iroshizuku Snow Crystal ink arrives in an elegant glass bottle that feels just as luxurious as the ink inside. It features a clever dip in the bottom of the bottle to help you fill even when the ink runs low. The silver box is minimalist and high-end, featuring a sticker that indicates the ink color. It’s packaging that feels like a gift, even when it’s just for yourself.

Pilot Iroshizuku Snow Crystal Ink Review: Other Products You’ll See

• J. Herbin Glass Dip Pen
• Rhodia Lined Paper

Pilot Iroshizuku Snow Crystal Ink Review: 1-Dip Test

One dip was all it took! The glass dip pen easily wrote three full lines on Rhodia paper with ink still left on the nib. This is a great sign of solid saturation and excellent flow.

Dry Time: How Fast Did the Ink Dry?

Snow Crystal ink dried in approximately 10 seconds during our test on Rhodia paper. That’s a great balance for everyday writing—not too fast, not too slow.

Pilot Iroshizuku Snow Crystal Ink Review: Water Test

After exposure to water, the ink showed some fading and visible running. However, there was no bleeding through the paper, and all original lines and shapes remained distinguishable. This makes it a solid performer, even when splashes happen.

Were There Any Special Properties?

The Pilot Iroshizuku Snow Crystal shows subtle shading, especially when using a cotton swab or after exposure to water. While the ink writes as a rich, darker teal-blue with a frosty, crisp finish, lighter shades peek through in broader applications or wet areas. There’s no sheen or shimmer here—just beautifully restrained sophistication.

Did You See any Feathering or Bleeding?

We saw no feathering and no bleedthrough during our tests on Rhodia paper. Just clean, clear, gorgeous lines.

Pilot Iroshizuku Snow Crystal Ink Review: Conclusion

If you’re in the market for a luxurious daily ink, the Pilot Iroshizuku Snow Crystal ink is a standout. From the beautiful, frosty blue shade to the smooth writing and stellar packaging, it’s a true treat for fountain pen fans. The ink performs consistently well, offers elegant shading, and dries in a reasonable amount of time. Whether you’re gifting it or keeping it for yourself, Snow Crystal brings just the right amount of winter magic to your writing.