Artline is a Japanese brand of writing instruments, markers, and stationery products owned by Shachihata Inc., a company best known worldwide for its ink technologies and pre-inked stamps. Since its launch in 1964, Artline has become one of the world’s leading marker brands, offering products for education, office work, industrial applications, arts and crafts, and professional use. Today, Artline products are sold in more than 90 countries and regions through an international distribution network. [1]

Artline was introduced in 1964 by Shachihata, which had already built a reputation as an ink technology company since 1925. The first Artline lineup consisted of just three permanent markers, including the iconic aluminum-bodied Artline 30, 70, and 90 series. These markers quickly gained popularity because of their durable construction and high-quality permanent ink. [2]

Before creating Artline, Shachihata pioneered several ink innovations, including:

• 1925: Mannen Stamp Pad

• 1941: Formation of Shachihata Kogyo Co., Ltd.

• 1965: Development of the revolutionary Xstamper, the world’s first successful pre-inked stamp.

The expertise gained in ink chemistry for stamping products became the foundation of Artline’s marker technology. [3]

Over the decades, Artline expanded from a small marker range into a comprehensive stationery brand.

Major milestones include:

• 1964 – First Artline markers released.

• 1966 – Artline 200 series introduced.

• 1969 – Artline 300 series launched.

• 1972 – Artline 500 series released.

• 1982 – Paint Marker introduced.

• 2012 – Highlighter range expanded.

• 2014 – Artline StiX launched.

• 2016 – Artline Supreme series introduced.

• 2018 – Artline Decorite creative marker range launched. [4]

Artline manufactures a broad range of writing and marking products, including:

Permanent Markers

Designed for writing on surfaces such as paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, glass, wood, and fabric.

Popular models include:

• Artline 70

• Artline 90

• Artline 100

• Artline EK series

Whiteboard Markers

Available in various tip sizes and colors.

Features:

• Low odor

• Dry-wipe ink

• Refillable options

Paint Markers

Used for industrial marking and artwork.

Suitable for:

• Steel

• Rubber

• Glass

• Plastic

• Concrete

• Wood

Highlighters

Designed for office and educational use.

Features include:

• Quick drying

• Bright fluorescent colors

• Chisel tips

Technical Drawing Pens

Used by:

• Architects

• Engineers

• Designers

• Illustrators

They offer precision line widths and fade-resistant ink.

Calligraphy & Creative Pens

Includes:

• Brush pens

• Calligraphy markers

• Metallic markers

• Decorative pens

• Artline Decorite

Industrial Markers

Designed for manufacturing, construction, logistics, and engineering applications.

These products often feature:

• Waterproof ink

• Fade resistance

• Heat resistance

• Oil-resistant formulations

[5]

Artline emphasizes proprietary ink development, leveraging Shachihata’s long history as an ink chemistry specialist. The brand develops specialized inks tailored for different applications, including:

• Permanent alcohol-based inks

• Water-based inks

• Pigment inks

• Xylene-free formulations

• Quick-drying inks

• Fade-resistant inks

• Waterproof inks

The company states that its ink formulas are the result of decades of research and are among its core technological strengths. [6]

Artline products are manufactured under strict quality and environmental standards. Shachihata reports compliance with global chemical regulations and maintains certified quality and environmental management systems. Many Artline products are also designed with refillability and environmentally conscious manufacturing in mind. [7]

Artline products are distributed across:

• Asia

• Europe

• North America

• South America

• Australia

• Middle East

• Africa

Shachihata established overseas operations over several decades, including:

• United States (1968)

• Malaysia (1993 manufacturing)

• Europe (1998)

• India (1998)

• Mexico (1999)

• China (2004)

Today, Artline products are available in more than 90 countries and regions. [8]

Artline’s mission is centered on providing reliable writing and marking solutions through innovation in ink technology. The broader Shachihata vision emphasizes delivering:

• Convenience

• Genuine Pleasure

• Trust & Safety

These principles guide the development of products for everyday, educational, creative, and industrial use. [9]

Artline products are widely used in:

• Schools

• Universities

• Offices

• Warehouses

• Factories

• Construction sites

• Architecture firms

• Art studios

• Retail businesses

• Homes

Some of the best-known Artline ranges include:

• Artline Permanent Markers

• Artline Whiteboard Markers

• Artline Paint Markers

• Artline Supreme

• Artline Decorite

• Artline StiX

• Artline Professional Series

• Artline Drawing System Pens

• Artline Calligraphy Pens

[10]

Since its introduction in 1964, Artline has evolved from a small range of permanent markers into a globally recognized stationery brand. Built on nearly a century of ink-development expertise from Shachihata, it is known for durable construction, specialized ink formulations, and a diverse portfolio of writing and marking tools used in education, business, industry, and creative fields around the world. [11]

1. History | About us | Shachihata

2. 100th Anniversary | Shachihata Inc.

3. Welcome to the World of Artline®

4. About Us

5. About Artline | Things flow better with Artline

6. artline.id

7. About us | Shachihata

8. Historia | Sobre nosotros | Shachihata

9. Histoire | À propos de nous | Shachihata

10. News

11. About Us – NEW ERA ENTERPRISES SDN BHD