Sailor Manyo Ink Bottle (Shikarashi - 50 ML) 13-2009-215

Sailor Manyo Ink Bottle (Shikarashi - 50 ML) 13-2009-215

Sailor Manyo Ink “Shikarashi” (Shirakashi) – 50?ml
Product Code: 13?2009?215

Overview & Inspiration

The Manyo ink line by Sailor is deeply rooted in Japanese poetic and botanical heritage. Its name is derived from the Manyoshu (often translated “Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves”), Japan’s oldest classical poetry anthology compiled circa 759?CE, which spans over 4,000 poems composed by people from all walks of life. 

Each color in the Manyo series is inspired by a plant or floral motif from the Manyoshu. “Shirakashi” (also spelled “Shikarashi” in some listings) refers to the Japanese white oak (“shirakashi” ???) — evoking both the bark, leaves, and subtle tones of that tree. 

Color & Performance Profile

Color / Tone

• The base appearance of Shirakashi is a muted gray?green / olive — a soft, understated green leaning toward desaturated olive tones. 

• It exhibits light shading in most writing contexts, bringing out subtle variations in tone depending on pen, nib, and paper. 

• Under certain lighting and with certain pens, some users have noted coppery sheening or luster effects at the edges of strokes or in pooled ink — though these are not strong or guaranteed. 

• It is not a shimmering or glitter ink — it is a standard dye?based ink. 

Flow & Behavior

• This ink is water?based and dye?based, formulated to be safe for fountain pen feeds. 

• In general usage, it is described as smooth flowing, though some fountain pen users find Manyo inks (as a whole) to run slightly “dry” compared to heavily saturated or lubricated inks. 

• Because of possibly lower lubricity, users may see slight feedback or a more tactile writing feel in some pens, especially those with finer or drier nibs. 

• It is not water-resistant — the ink will fade or wash out if exposed to water after drying. 

Physical & Packaging Details

• Volume: 50?ml per bottle. 

• Bottle design: Square glass bottle, typically with dimensions around W?53 × D?44 × H?70 mm. 

• Weight (filled): Approximately 203?g (empty + ink). 

• Packaging: Ships in a paperboard box (approx. 55 × 47 × 76?mm) in many markets. 

• Labeling / Branding: Labeled with “Manyo” series motifs, the ink name “Shirakashi” (or variant spelling), and Sailor branding. 

Using the Ink — Tips & Considerations

• Pen compatibility: Generally safe for all fountain pens and converters. Because it is a dye ink, it won’t clog like pigment or shimmering inks. 

• Cleaning: As with any non-permanent ink, periodic flushing and cleaning of feeds is wise to prevent buildup, especially if you change inks regularly.

• Enhancing flow: If you find the ink a bit dry, a very small amount of a fountain pen “flow improver” or a drop of gentle dish soap (diluted) may help in a converter. (Some Manyo users share such tips in writing forums.) 

• Shading & sheening: Because Shirakashi is relatively subtle, shading effects will be modest — best appreciated in broader nibs or on high?quality ink?friendly paper. The occasional secondary sheening will depend heavily on pen wetness and paper. 

• Light & aging: Like many dye inks, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may cause fading over time, so archival preservation should avoid constant bright light.

• Ink behavior: In some pens, certain users have reported slight “scratchiness” or more tactile feedback until the ink and pen “settle in” together. 

• It occupies a unique niche in the Manyo lineup — offering a quiet, natural, olive-gray tone, unlike brighter greens or florals.

• For users desiring a professional yet characterful ink, it adds personality without being overly flashy.

• The connection to Japanese literary and botanical heritage appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate story, symbolism, and subtlety in ink.

• Its 50?ml volume offers good value for dedicated writers who want enough ink to last many refills.