J. Herbin Dip Pen Set

This handsome wood box set is a great way to get started with dip pens, whether you plan to use it for writing, drawing, or calligraphy. Under the slide-out lid are a bottle of violet ink, five dip pen nibs in a variety of shapes, and a classic straight pen holder made from lacquered wood.

The violet ink comes from J. Herbin, a Parisian inkmaker that traces its roots to the late 17th century, when sailor Jacques Herbin brought recipes for ink and sealing wax from India to France. Herbin violet has a special significance; it was the standard ink used by French students during the Third Republic (1870-1940). The intense blue-violet ink in this set comes in a 30 mL glass bottle with built-in brush rest.

The natural wood pen holder and five metal nibs come from Brause, the German nib manufacturer we prefer for most pen shapes. The nibs included are 2 L'Ecoliere fine pointed pens, one Steno flexible stub (our favorite for general writing and drawing), one Pfannen broad tip, and one Cito Fein round tip. It's a versatile assortment that can do almost anything, from illustration to a variety of lettering styles.

Measures 9.5" x 2" x 2.5".