Nanairo - Handcrafted Wooden Ink Sample Holder

A handcrafted wooden ink sample holder designed for fountain pen enthusiasts. Nanairo holds seven vials securely and is custom-drilled to fit your vial size.

Important Fit Note:  Ink sample vials are not universal in size. Two common diameters are in use:

1. Smaller vials (used by Goulet and Amazon)
2. Larger vials (used by Vanness)

Because of this, I will contact you after purchase to confirm which vial size you use before making your holder. Each Nanairo is drilled specifically for your needs to ensure a precise, secure fit.

Each Nanairo is made to order: Please allow 2–3 weeks for crafting before shipping.

Nanairo — The Art of Seven Colors

Nanairo (七色), meaning “seven colors” in Japanese, is a handcrafted wooden ink sample holder designed for fountain pen enthusiasts who value beauty, intention, and order in their writing ritual. Created in collaboration with Jenn Smith (@joydesign.us), Nanairo brings warmth and stability to ink swatching and color exploration.

Thoughtful Design

Nanairo features seven staggered wells that keep ink sample vials upright, secure, and easy to access while you work. Its balanced weight and solid hardwood construction prevent tipping or rolling, even during active swatching sessions.

Materials & Craftsmanship

Each Nanairo is individually milled, sanded, and finished by hand. Every piece is finished with shellac, chosen for its warm luster and pen-safe properties, allowing the natural grain and character of the wood to take center stage.

Grain, figure, and color vary naturally — no two pieces are exactly alike.

Two Distinct Versions

Nanairo is offered in two equally stable designs:

• Straight-Sided
  Clean and minimalist, with a rectangular profile where the base matches the top.
• Flared Base
  A subtly sculptural design with a wider base for added visual presence and perceived stability.

Both versions are compact (approximately 6″ × 1.5″ × 1.5″) and designed to fit comfortably on any desk or workspace.

Why Choose Nanairo?

Plastic holders work — but they don’t inspire. Nanairo’s natural materials, weight, and craftsmanship turn a utilitarian task into a more enjoyable part of your creative process. It’s the same difference between a disposable pen and a fountain pen: both function, but only one invites you to slow down and enjoy the experience.