Hamburg - Ebony powder ink / bister ink
Hamburg ebony bister ink colour swatch
Hamburg - Ebony powder ink / bister ink
Hamburg ebony bister ink colour swatch

Hamburg Ebony Powder Ink (Bister Ink) 20ml

Hamburg Ebony Powder Ink (Bister Ink) is a traditional artist’s ink supplied in powdered form, allowing you to mix your own calligraphy ink to the desired strength. Ideal for dip pen calligraphy, illustration and ink wash techniques, it produces deep ebony tones with natural shading variation.

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Hamburg Ebony Powder Ink (Bister Ink) 20ml

The Hamburg Ebony Powder Ink, also known as Bister ink, is a traditional powdered ink created for calligraphy, illustration and artistic ink work. Supplied in a 20ml jar, this concentrated powder allows artists and calligraphers to prepare ink at their preferred strength and tonal depth.

Traditional Bister Ink

Bister inks are valued for their organic tonal variation and expressive character. When mixed with water, the Ebony powder produces deep black-brown tones capable of subtle shading effects, adding depth and atmosphere to lettering and artwork.

Customisable Ink Strength

The powdered format allows complete control over colour intensity. By adjusting the powder-to-water ratio, the ink can range from soft transparent washes to rich, dark calligraphic strokes.

Easy Mixing Instructions

  • Mix a small measure of powder (approximately a teaspoon tip) with 8 teaspoons of warm water.
  • Add more powder to achieve deeper colour intensity.
  • For improved flow and viscosity, add a few drops of Hamburg Gum Arabic to enhance ink performance and control.

Ebony Colour Characteristics

The Ebony shade delivers dramatic dark tones with natural variation that respond beautifully to dilution and application technique. This makes it particularly suitable for expressive calligraphy, ink washes and manuscript-style artwork.

Washable & Studio Friendly

The ink produced from this powder is washable, making it suitable for studio use, workshops and creative experimentation by artists of all experience levels.

Ideal For

  • Dip pen calligraphy
  • Ink wash illustration
  • Expressive lettering
  • Botanical and artistic drawing
  • Historical manuscript techniques

Compatible Tools

Suitable for dip pens, brushes and glass pens. Not intended for fountain pens.

Optimise Ink Flow with Gum Arabic

For optimal calligraphy performance, Hamburg Ebony Powder Ink can be combined with Hamburg Gum Arabic. Adding gum arabic improves ink adhesion, flow control and line sharpness, particularly when using fine or flexible calligraphy nibs.

This ink forms part of the Hamburg range of professional calligraphy inks, developed using traditional European ink-making expertise to provide consistent performance and rich artistic colour.

Ink:
30 ml
Ink Colours:
Black
Manufacturer:
Hamburg
pv220
8 Items
Hamburg Gum Arabic 20ml bottle for calligraphy ink
Hamburg Calligraphy Ink

Hamburg Gum Arabic for Calligraphy Ink 20ml

About Hamburg

Hamburg is an Italian ink brand with roots going back to 1922, when brothers Umberto and Luigi Mora founded the company in Milan to produce inks and fine art colours. That heritage still gives the brand its distinctive appeal today, making Hamburg a strong choice for calligraphers and creative makers who value traditional expertise as well as reliable modern performance.

Made for calligraphy and lettering

Hamburg calligraphy inks are created for dip pen writing, decorative lettering, and artistic work where colour, flow, and clarity matter. The formulations are designed to give rich colour on the page and a satisfying writing experience, helping both beginners and experienced calligraphers achieve clean, expressive results.

Italian quality with creative character

The Hamburg range is especially appealing to customers who enjoy inks with personality as well as practicality. From classic darker tones to more vibrant shades, these inks offer a refined balance of strong colour and dependable handling, making them suitable for everything from formal calligraphy to more decorative creative projects.

Chosen by Calligraphy Arts UK

At Calligraphy Arts UK, we value Hamburg for its combination of heritage, quality, and versatility. It is a brand that fits naturally into a collection built around beautiful writing, thoughtful materials, and products that help make the creative process feel both enjoyable and rewarding.

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