Exploring Colors and Culture: A Review of Tinta Nusantara's Special Edition Inks by Kikay Craft and Journal

Admin Tinta Nusantara
Aug 5, 2025
2 min read

We were thrilled to see our handcrafted inks featured in a recent video by Kikay from Kikay Craft & Journal, who took viewers on a swatching journey through some of our most meaningful collections. As a fellow ink lover based in Indonesia, Kikay explored not only the unique characteristics of each shade, but also the stories embedded within every bottle.

Here’s a look at what Kikay discovered:

The Jo Series: Honoring one of the Founder

Tinta Nusantara Jo Series Swatching Session

Kikay started with our special Joe Series, created to honor one of Tinta Nusantara's founders. This series includes:

Royal Jo – A blue-purple ink representing the elegance and richness associated with royalty. Kai noted its vibrancy, wet flow, and a slight feathering on paper, saying, “Tinta Nusantara colors are very strong.”
Mr. Jo – A dark, brownish red ink that offers a beautiful contrast to Royal Joe. Together, these two form a balanced pair that feels both regal and grounded.

Magical Garden Series: From Myth to Magic

Tinta Nusantara Magical Garden Series Swatching Session

Next up was our Magical Garden series, also an inspiring color from one of Tinta Nusantara's founders, featuring:

Yamata no Orochi – A vivid green ink named after the legendary Japanese serpent. Kai described it as a solid, saturated green, perfect for anyone seeking visibility without heavy shading. “I think I kind of need this,” he remarked.
Majestic Unicorn – A vibrant purple, even more saturated than Royal Joe. This magical ink stood out for its boldness and mythical charm.

Water Tiger: Limited Edition for Lunar New Year 2022

Tinta Nusantara Water Tiger CNY 2022 Limited Edition Ink Swatching Session

As a final highlight, Kikay featured our Water Tiger, a limited edition ink for Chinese New Year 2022. This deep blue ink is so rich it could almost pass for black. Kai observed how it features beautiful shading, shifting from dark navy to a delicate sky blue. “This is quite a good one,” she said, noting its unique depth.

A Reflection on Ink, Culture, and Craftsmanship

What makes us especially proud is Kikay’s recognition of the cultural storytelling behind our collections. Just as Vinta Inks celebrates Filipino folklore, Tinta Nusantara aims to reflect Indonesian identity through ink — from honoring national figures to infusing mythical themes into everyday writing.

As Kikay put it:

These are inks made here in Indonesia. I’m really glad to see that through their collection, they’re showcasing a bit of their culture and their history… It makes you become more aware of it too.

Watch the Full Review

To experience the swatching and full commentary, watch Kikay's video on the Kikay Craft & Journal YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to support more thoughtful reviews of handmade creative tools from Southeast Asia.

About Tinta Nusantara

Tinta Nusantara is Indonesia’s first handcrafted fountain pen ink brand. Our colors are formulated with care — made for journaling, calligraphy, sketching, and everyday writing. Every bottle tells a story.