J. Herbin

Based in Paris, J. Herbin is the oldest name in ink production in the world. Established in 1670, J. Herbin crafted inks specifically for Louis XIV, the Sun King, and even made a black ink for the sole use of Victor Hugo, author of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Miserables. Before being known for inks, Herbin was a sailor, and from his many journeys to India he brought back to Paris formulas for manufacturing sealing wax. His special lacquer formula improved the quality of the seals in adhesion and neatness, helping him to become famous throughout the kingdom. By 1700, the company was producing "l'Encre de la Tete Noire" followed by "Perle des Encres" (The Jewel of Inks) and "l'Encre des Vaisseaux" (The Ink of Ships). The Pearl of Inks is still produced in beautiful, radiant colors. J. Herbin uses all natural dyes in their fountain pen inks. This relatively natural composition is reflected in the very neutral pH of the inks.