Made of pure carbon, it is black with a bluish tint, suitable for dip pens and brushes. Inks have been formulated with carefully chosen pigments to ensure maximum brilliance of color. High quality pigments preserve your work. Winsor & Newton calligraphy inks are made from high quality pigments in acrylic. We understand that calligraphy is a noble, old art form, and we were determined to do it justice. The 18 colors in this range are lightfast for long-lasting results. Our calligraphy inks are not waterproof, which means they can be reactivated with water. For best results, use with a brush or a dip pen.