Hamburg PAScribe Calligraphic Ink

This exceptional line of inks is the result of a collaboration between Hamburg Inchiostri and renowned calligrapher Paul Antonio of PAScribe. When Hamburg’s founder Stefano invited Paul to Italy with a proposal to create a bespoke ink, Paul envisioned not one, but two inks: each designed with the unique demands of either pointed nibs or broad-edged tools in mind. Later, a third ink was added, inspired by a sepia tone Paul admired in a manuscript back in 2000.

Rather than crafting a catch-all ink, Paul sought out formulations that addressed the very specific challenges calligraphers face: hairlines that bleed, ink that's inconsistent from bottle to page, and formulas that fail to honor the subtle dance between tool and surface.

Black Pointed
Designed to work with pointed nibs like the Gillott 303, this formula is ultra-thin, deeply black, and engineered to stay exactly where you put it—no feathering, no fuzzy hairlines, and no blobs when you apply pressure. It maintains crispness even with flex, producing delicate yet confident hairlines that are reminiscent of iron gall ink, without its corrosive drawbacks.

• Not recommended for broad-edged nibs
• Works beautifully on both paper and parchment
• Also suitable for fountain pens and brush pens

“I wanted it to feel like you were writing with an Iron Gall Ink but not corrode the nib like iron gall ink does.” —Paul Antonio

Black Edged
Inspired by Paul's own experience writing with soot-based ink using goose quills on vellum, this ink was developed to recreate that same tactile richness on modern paper. Thicker and more viscous than the pointed nib ink, it’s perfectly calibrated for broad-edged nibs, from traditional quills to contemporary metal tools. Expect ultra-black strokes that feel painterly yet precise—more like writing with gouache than a standard ink.

• Not recommended for pointed nibs or fountain pens due to larger pigment particulates
• Ideal for both paper and parchment

“I wanted you to brush this ink on from the jar and know it was the correct consistency for broad edge nibs.” —Paul Antonio

Sepia Aged
This color is a passion project decades in the making. Paul first encountered this particular shade of sepia—a warm blend of brown, green, and yellow tones—in a Zurich manuscript in 2000. It stuck with him for over 20 years. Aged Sepia is ideal for extended writing sessions or for those sensitive to high contrast. Its formulation strikes a delicate balance between the two black inks, offering a fluidity that works equally well with pointed pens and broad-edged tools.

• Compatible with pointed nibs, broad nibs, fountain pens, and brush pens
• Rich, historic tone that’s easy on the eyes and full of character

“It had to work for both pointed flexible nibs and broad edged nibs and so we used the knowledge we learned from the making of the two blacks to develop a fluid which sat in the middle.” —Paul Antonio

Additional Notes from Paul:

• All inks contain both dye and pigment. They should not be left out in direct sunlight.
• For those needing to scan black ink with visible hairlines, Paul recommends a custom 1:1 dilution of the Black Edged ink with water. This produces a denser black suitable for scanning—but it dries slower and is not ideal for fast writing.

Each jar is 45ml (1.5oz).