Kansai Enkou 45 • High-Quality
| No. | Name (EN) | Japanese Name | Approx. CMYK | Typical Use | |-----|-----------|---------------|--------------|-------------| | 1 | Cobalt Blue | コバルトブルー | C100 M30 Y0 K0 | Architectural sketches, manga inks | | 2 | Vermilion | 朱色 (しゅいろ) | C0 M90 Y100 K0 | Traditional calligraphy, emotive highlights | | 3 | Sepia | セピア | C30 M40 Y60 K30 | Vintage illustration, tone mapping | | 4 | Emerald | エメラルド | C80 M0 Y70 K0 | Botanical studies, fashion illustration | | 5 | Charcoal | 炭 (すみ) | C0 M0 Y0 K100 | Line‑work, sketching | | 6 | Gold | 金 (きん) | C0 M20 Y80 K0 (metallic) | Decorative borders, wedding invitations | | 7 | Lavender | ラベンダー | C30 M50 Y0 K0 | Soft backgrounds, children’s books | | 8 | Crimson | クリムゾン | C0 M100 Y70 K0 | Graphic novels, dynamic action lines | | 9 | Forest Green | 森林緑 | C80 M20 Y70 K10 | Landscape work, environmental art | |10 | Azure | 空色 (そらいろ) | C80 M0 Y20 K0 | Sky washes, water scenes | |11 | Burnt Umber | 焦げ茶 (こげちゃ) | C30 M70 Y80 K60 | Shading, texture | |12 | Pearl White | 真珠 (しんじゅ) | C0 M0 Y0 K0 (opaque) | Highlights, mixed‑media collages |
1. Introduction Kansai Enkō 45 (関西 エンコー 45) is a line of high‑quality, water‑based drawing inks produced by the Kansai Ink Co., Ltd., a well‑established Japanese manufacturer that has been supplying artists, designers, and calligraphers since the early 20th century. The “45” in the name refers to the product’s viscosity class (45 cP at 25 °C) and also to the original year of launch in the Japanese imperial calendar (Shōwa 45, i.e., 1970). Over the past five decades the ink has become a cult favourite among illustrators who demand a balance of flow, saturation, and archival stability. 2. Historical Context | Year | Milestone | Relevance | |------|-----------|-----------| | 1970 (Shōwa 45) | First batch of Kansai Enkō 45 released for print‑making studios in Osaka. | Marked Kansai Ink’s entry into the fine‑art market, moving beyond industrial inks. | | 1984 | Introduction of the “ Premium Series ” – a set of six flagship hues (Cobalt Blue, Vermilion, Sepia, Emerald, Charcoal, and Gold). | Established the brand’s reputation for color consistency. | | 1999 | Reformulation to low‑odor, ammonia‑free composition. | Responded to health concerns in studio environments. | | 2008 | Launch of the “45 + ” line, a range of pigment‑based inks that retain the fluidity of the original but add lightfastness (up to 8 on the ASTM scale). | Expanded the product to meet museum‑grade requirements. | | 2017 | Release of limited‑edition “ Kansai Enkō 45 – Kyoto Autumn ” set, inspired by seasonal foliage. | Showcased the brand’s ability to blend tradition with contemporary aesthetics. | 3. Technical Specifications | Property | Value (Typical) | Practical Implication | |----------|----------------|-----------------------| | Base | 100 % water, glycerol (2 % w/w) | Excellent flow on nibs and brushes; quick drying. | | Viscosity | 45 cP at 25 °C (measured with a Brookfield viscometer) | Medium‑thin; suitable for both fine‑point pens and broad‑brush work. | | pH | 7.5 ± 0.2 (neutral to slightly alkaline) | Prevents feathering on high‑acid paper; compatible with most inks. | | Surface Tension | 38–40 mN·m⁻¹ | Promotes smooth capillary action, reducing clogging. | | Pigment Load | 0.5–1.2 % (depending on colour) | Gives vivid saturation while keeping the solution clear. | | Lightfastness | ASTM D6900 rating 6–8 (for “45 + ” series) | Suitable for archival work and exhibition pieces. | | Archival Quality | ISO 9001‑certified production; tested for no yellowing after 10 years in controlled storage. | | Shelf Life | 3 years unopened, 12 months after first opening (if stored at 15–20 °C, sealed). | Users can keep a small bottle for long‑term projects. | 4. Colour Palette Kansai Enkō 45 is known for a balanced mix of traditional Japanese hues and modern, designer colours. The most widely available 12‑colour set includes: kansai enkou 45
The brand enjoys a among Japanese manga artists and is increasingly recognized in the West for its clean performance and eco‑friendly formulation (no heavy metals, low VOCs). 8. Comparative Snapshot | Brand / Series | Base | Viscosity (cP) | Lightfastness (ASTM) | Typical Use | Price (USD, 12 ml) | |----------------|------|----------------|----------------------|------------|--------------------| | Kansai Enkō 45 (regular) | Water + glycerol | 45 | 5–6 | General illustration, manga | $12‑$14 | | Kansai Enkō 45 + | Water + glycerol + pigment (C.I. pigments) | 55 | 7–8 | Archival art, museum pieces | $16‑$20 | | Sakura Pigma Ink | Water + dye | 30 | 3–4 | Graphic design, quick sketches | $8‑$10 | | Pilot Iroshizuku | Water + dye (high saturation) | 38 | 4–5 | Luxury pen‑and‑ink work | $15‑$18 | | Winsor & Newton Drawing Ink | Water + glycerol | 48 | 6–7 | Fine art & illustration | $13‑$16 | Introduction Kansai Enkō 45 (関西 エンコー 45) is
