About J. Herbin
J. Herbin holds a unique place in the world of writing inks: it is the oldest ink brand in existence, with a history stretching back to 1670, predating the French Revolution, the age of Napoleon, and the widespread adoption of the steel nib. To use a J. Herbin ink is to connect with over 350 years of writing tradition.
The Story of Jacques Herbin
The brand takes its name from Jacques Herbin, a French sailor who made numerous voyages to India in the seventeenth century. From his travels, he brought back knowledge of the formulas used to produce sealing waxes and inks, knowledge that would form the foundation of one of the most enduring names in stationery. Over the centuries, J. Herbin's customer list has included figures as remarkable as Louis XIV and Coco Chanel.
The Inks
Today, J. Herbin produce a wide and beautiful range of fountain pen and calligraphy inks, all made in France. The finishing touches to each ink bottle are still applied by hand, a detail that speaks to the brand's enduring commitment to craft.
Their inks are celebrated for their rich, saturated colours and their well-behaved, reliable flow. They are a favourite among calligraphers and fountain pen enthusiasts alike, and their distinctive rounded bottles are as elegant on a desk as the inks are on the page. If you are new to fountain pen inks, see our guide to fountain pen ink types.
The 1670 Collection
The 1670 collection is J. Herbin's most iconic range, with each colour taking inspiration from Jacques Herbin's adventures and travels to India. These inks are distinguished by their shimmering gold particles, which catch the light and add a luxurious quality to handwriting. They are among the most visually striking inks available and are perennially popular with collectors. For tips on using shimmer inks, see our shimmer ink usage guide.
The 1798 Collection
The 1798 series celebrates the year Jacques Herbin introduced his own dedicated line of quality inks, a pivotal moment in the brand's history. These inks offer a more refined, understated elegance compared to the 1670 range, with deep, complex colours that reward close attention.
Anniversary and Special Releases
J. Herbin periodically release anniversary and special edition inks, chosen in collaboration with their community of users. These limited releases are always eagerly anticipated and tend to sell quickly.
Why We Love J. Herbin
At Pure Pens, we stock J. Herbin because their inks represent something rare: genuine heritage combined with genuine quality. Whether you are new to fountain pen inks or a seasoned collector, J. Herbin is a brand that rewards exploration.
Browse our full J. Herbin collection | Get in touch if you need help choosing.