Papyrus A4

Aniline-based ink has the perfect viscosity for use in plunger refill pens. In the early 19th century aniline was still made from indigo. The dye is now manufactured synthetically. At the Gutenberg Shop aniline ink is available in green, royal blue, black and red.

Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany. Hard cover in leather, in a slipcase, 580 pages, 38 x 53 mm, Miniaturbuchverlag Leipzig 1995. German edition.

The Bible ink used in monastic scriptoria was made from gallnuts from different types of oak and mixed with iron salts. The resulting mixture had a very good colour that was blue-grey when applied and a deep black when dry. This traditionally manufactured product is now being filled exclusively for the Gutenberg Museum. It is only partly suitable for plunger refill pens; when using this ink, please clean your pen regularly. Volume: 25 ml

The Gutenberg charity shop has proved an invaluable aid to museum funding for over 20 years. Each article sold includes a donation which we pass on to the Gutenberg Museum. The shop is chiefly run by volunteers which helps us to keep costs down. You may also make a donation without buying anything.

Each of our natural inks is manufactured according to medieval formulae from 100% natural ingredients, filled into blown glass pots and sealed with a cork stopper. They are ideal for use with goose quills or dip fountain pens (not suitable for plunger refills). Indigo (blue): the dye of the indigo plant was used to colour textiles and for calligraphy and the illumination of manuscripts very early on. Ferro-gallic ink (black): gallnuts from various types of oak mixed with iron salts produced the dye for this classic Bible ink. Bohemian ink (brown): this brown ink is made from walnut shells, giving it a warm, harmonious nut brown colour. Frisian ink (green): this ink formula is reminiscent of art lessons at school! The intense yellow of the turmeric plant is mixed with indigo to produce a clear green. Austria (red): this vivid red is made from dried cochineal insects. In the last century this dye was still heralded as Spain’s most lucrative export after gold and silver. Positively brilliant! Purple: the magenta secretion of the purple snail was initially only used to dye the robes of extremely important individuals and thus considered to be the most valuable dye of the ancient world. Rose: with its gentle perfume of roses this wonderfully dark red ink is a very special treat for the senses.

Make your seal stand out with one of our Gutenberg sealing waxes in beautiful non-fade colours.

Lend your correspondence a personal note – with a seal bearing your initial. Our seals are turned in solid brass and hand-engraved with a letter in English calligraphic script.

Heinz G. Hahs: Bahnwärter. Handpress print by Johannes Strugalla, Edition F. Despalles 1986 (Mainzer Plakatgedicht 4), German edition Printing paper, Format: 70 x 50 cm