Kuretake Co., Ltd. (Japanese: 株式会社呉竹, Kuretake Kabushiki Kaisha) is a Japanese manufacturer of stationery and art materials recognised globally for its brush pens, ink products, markers, watercolour materials, and creative tools. Established in 1902 in Nara, Japan, the company began as a traditional producer of sumi ink (Japanese calligraphy ink) before diversifying into modern writing instruments and art supplies.[1]

Internationally, Kuretake is particularly associated with its ZIG brand, which encompasses product lines such as ZIG CLEAN COLOR markers, ZIG Kurecolor, Fudebiyori brush pens, Fude Pen, and Kuretake Gansai Tambi watercolours. These products are widely utilised by calligraphers, illustrators, urban sketchers, scrapbook artists, designers, and hobbyists.[3]

Origins as a traditional ink maker

Kuretake was established in 1902 in Nara, a region with a long history of Japanese craftsmanship and calligraphy culture. The company originally produced sumi ink sticks, a traditional material essential to Japanese calligraphy and ink painting.[1] The expertise accumulated through generations of ink manufacturing provided the technical foundation for Kuretake’s later innovations in liquid ink, pigment technology, and writing instruments.

Development of brush pens

A significant milestone in the company’s history was the development of the modern fude pen (brush pen). In 1973, Kuretake introduced brush pen technology that combined traditional Japanese brush-writing techniques with the convenience of a contemporary pen, making brush-style writing accessible to a broader audience.[1] This innovation established Kuretake as one of Japan’s leading manufacturers of calligraphy-oriented writing tools.

Expansion into markers and art materials

During the late 20th century, Kuretake expanded its portfolio beyond traditional calligraphy products to include colour markers, illustration pens, graphic design tools, craft supplies, water-based pigment inks, and artist materials. The company created the ZIG brand to represent its international line of creative tools.[3]

ZIG CLEAN COLOR Series

The ZIG CLEAN COLOR series is among Kuretake’s most prominent product families. Originally launched in 1982, it was developed as a versatile colour marker suitable for writing, illustration, and creative work. The line initially offered 36 colours and has since expanded significantly.[2]

Current products in the series include:

• ZIG CLEAN COLOR Real Brush
• ZIG CLEAN COLOR f
• ZIG CLEAN COLOR FB
• ZIG CLEAN COLOR DOT

The Real Brush line is particularly noted for its flexible brush tip, which allows artists to produce both thin and broad strokes similar to those achieved with a traditional paintbrush.[2]

Kuretake Fude Pen

The Kuretake Fude Pen is considered one of the brand’s signature products. It features a brush-like flexible tip and a portable design suitable for Japanese calligraphy and lettering. Available in various ink types and sizes, this product helped popularise brush-style writing outside Japan.[3]

ZIG CLEAN COLOR Real Brush

The ZIG CLEAN COLOR Real Brush is one of Kuretake’s most internationally recognised art products. Key features include a real brush-style fibre tip and water-based pigment ink, making it suitable for illustration, lettering, comics, and sketching. The product line has expanded to offer up to 120 colours.[2]

Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolors

Gansai Tambi is Kuretake’s professional-style Japanese watercolour range. Inspired by traditional Japanese pigments, these paints are characterised by rich, opaque colours designed for illustration and painting. They are especially known for strong pigmentation and compatibility with brush techniques, finding popularity among urban sketchers and professional artists.[3]

ZIG Cartoonist Products

Under the ZIG Cartoonist line, Kuretake developed specialised tools for manga and illustration artists. This range includes manga drawing pens, ink markers, and illustration tools designed specifically for line art, comics, and professional illustration workflows.

Kuretake’s corporate philosophy centres on supporting human expression through culture and technology, viewing writing, drawing, and creating as vital forms of communication. Its values are built around four key themes:[3]

• Writing and graphic culture: Preserving traditional writing culture while adapting it for modern users.
• Colour and beauty: Emphasising Japanese approaches to colour, nature, seasons, and artistic expression.
• Art and material science: Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern ink and material technology.
• Expression and experience: Focusing on the creative process itself rather than solely on the final artwork.

Kuretake’s manufacturing strength lies in its expertise in pigment formulation, ink flow control, brush-tip manufacturing, colour development, and water-based ink technology. Its products are engineered to balance traditional Japanese artistic techniques with modern convenience.[3]

Although rooted in Japanese calligraphy, Kuretake has evolved into a global creative brand. Its products are used by calligraphers, lettering artists, illustrators, manga artists, watercolour painters, journal and scrapbook communities, and craft enthusiasts. The company exports products worldwide and has developed a strong international reputation among artists and stationery collectors.[3]

Kuretake represents a bridge between traditional Japanese craftsmanship and modern creativity. Its history reflects the evolution of Japanese writing culture, progressing from sumi ink to brush pens, markers, and digital-age creative tools. Rather than replacing traditional methods, Kuretake adapts them into accessible tools for new generations of creators.[3]

After more than 120 years, Kuretake remains one of Japan’s notable manufacturers of writing and art materials. The company continues to develop products that combine Japanese ink-making heritage, precision manufacturing, artistic innovation, and everyday creativity. Its reputation is built on the concept that a simple line of ink can serve as a form of personal expression.[3]

1. History | Kuretake
2. History | ZIG CLEAN COLOR by Kuretake
3. 120th Anniversary | Kuretake