Description
Herbin is the oldest name in pen inks in the world.
Established in Paris in 1670 by J Herbin, the Herbin brand initially specialised in sealing wax, inks and imported shellac from India. Generations of remarkable people, from Louis XIV to Coco Chanel, have used Herbin sealing wax. It is renowned as one of the highest quality sealing waxes ever made. Herbin’s special lacquer formula improved the quality of the seals in adhesion and neatness.
“The Jewel of Inks” (“La Perle des Encres”) was created in 1700 and Ships Ink (“L’Encre des Vaisseaux”) was produced at an even earlier date. The beginning of the 19th century was a time of discovery and industrialization. The French Revolution was ending, and Napoleon Bonaparte was beginning his ascent. This was also the time when steel nib dip pens began to replace quills for writing. Herbin continued to develop new inks in the 19th century. They began production of India Ink (also known as Chinese Ink) in 1829. Their violet ink was the everyday colour used by students during the Third Republic (1870-1940). Herbin even developed a special black ink just for Victor Hugo, one of the greatest French writers.
Today, Herbin produces a range of beautiful fountain pen and calligraphy inks, writing instruments, gift sets and accessories. Herbin inks are made in France, and the finishing touches on the bottles are still done by hand in Paris.
