During the Tono & Lims Ibuku ink review, we’ll put this brown ink to our standard review tests and see what we see! But first, a little bit of background info in case you’re not familiar with the brand or the collection.

Get to Know the Ink Maker: Tono and Lims

This week’s ink comes from one of our most creative and artistic partners: Tono & Lims. Known for their inventive color palettes, limited edition releases, and whimsical naming conventions, Tono & Lims inks are consistently a favorite among fountain pen fans looking for something a little outside the box.

About the Ink Series: Kaleidoscope Collection

Tono & Lims’ Kaleidoscope Ink Collection is all about shifting perspectives and unexpected beauty—just like the view through a real kaleidoscope. Each color in this series offers a unique aesthetic, and Ibuki is no exception. It’s a color that may surprise you, especially when you test it out on different paper types or with different nib sizes.

About the Ink: Tono and Lims Ibuki Ink Review

At first glance Tono & Lims Ibuki is a light, unique brown that feels subtle and earthy. Don’t let the softness fool you—it’s got personality. While it may look delicate on the page, it has some hidden strength, especially in how it performs during our ink tests. It’s also a fluorescent ink, which means it should have a reaction to ultraviolet light (UV light). We’ll check it out during today’s review.

Tono & Lims Ibuki Ink Review: The Test Results!

Here’s a snapshot of our test results using Rhodia lined paper and a J. Herbin glass dip pen (writes similarly to a medium nib):

The Tono & Lims Ink Bottle and Packaging

Tono & Lims Ibuki ink comes in the brand’s signature square glass bottle—clear, sturdy, and an easy option if you like to fill your fountain pen directly from the ink bottle. The white rectangular outer box features standard graphics for the Kaleidoscope Collection and a small sticker label indicating the ink series and color. The tight cap ensures a leak-proof experience, and the simple aesthetic is consistent with the Tono & Lims style.

Other Products Used During Our Tono & Lims Ibuki Ink Review

• Pen: J. Herbin Glass Dip Pen (medium-like nib)
• Paper: Rhodia lined paper

Ibuki Ink Review: 1 Dip Test

We ran our usual 1-dip test using a J. Herbin glass dip pen. Ibuki managed to write all three lines, with ink left to spare. That said, the very light color of the ink made it appear to be fading by the second and third lines—more of a visibility issue than ink volume.

How Fast Did the Ink Dry?

Dry time was between 5–10 seconds, making it a pretty fast-drying ink—especially useful for those who write quickly or are prone to smudging.

Is Ibuki Ink Resistant to Water?

Ibuki held up surprisingly well during the water test. There was some slight distortion and fading near the top of the test area, but further down the page, the ink appeared almost untouched. There was no bleeding, and the legibility remained impressive. For such a light-colored ink, this water resistance was unexpected and welcome.

Does the Ink Show Any Special Properties?

While no shimmer or sheen was present, we did note a bit of shading, though it’s subtle due to the ink’s light hue. During the cotton swab test, we saw that the ink could appear darker in pooled areas, which may be more noticeable with wetter nibs.

Ibuki is a Flourescent Ink, Right?

Some fountain pen inks created by Tono & Lims are fluorescent inks. Generally speaking, fluorescent ink contains certain pigments that react when exposed to UV light (ultraviolet). We’re testing the reaction of Tono & Lims Ibuki ink to see how it responds when exposed to UV light, and we’ll update you here shortly!

Was There Any Feathering or Bleeding?

We experienced no feathering and no bleedthrough on Rhodia paper. The ink stayed clean and crisp, even when layered a bit.

Conclusion: Tono & Lims Ibuki Ink Review

If you’re looking for something outside your usual deep blues, blacks, or vibrant purples, Tono & Lims Ibuki might be just the breath of fresh air your writing routine needs. It’s delicate, earthy, and refreshingly unique, with impressive water resistance and a fairly fast dry time. While its lightness might require more frequent pen dipping or a broader nib, it rewards you with a quietly stunning aesthetic and dependable performance.

Whether you’re sketching, journaling, or writing letters, Ibuki ink from the Kaleidoscope Collection brings a touch of calm and clarity to the page.

Would you take Orbit L2 for a spin in your favorite fountain pen? Let us know in the comments! Or drop us a quick request for upcoming ink reviews!