Tachikawa Pen Holders

Tachikawa Pen Holders

T-40 Capped Pen Holder
£12.50
£12.50
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Tachikawa Pen Holders
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  • Tachikawa Pen Holders
  • Tachikawa Pen Holders
  • Tachikawa Pen Holders
Tachikawa Pen Holders

Tachikawa Pen Holders

Tachikawa pen holders are Japanese straight pen holders for dip pen illustration and calligraphy — the production standard for manga illustration in Japan. The T-25 is the standard straight holder; the T-40 adds a protective cap for illustrators who pick up and put down the pen frequently during a working session.
Holder Type

T-25: Straight holder, double rubber ring grip T-40: Straight holder with removable protective cap
Nib Compatibility

Compatible with G-nibs, Maru nibs, Brause broad-edge, Mitchell, and most standard dip pen nibs
Best Use

A straight holder is correct for illustration and broad-edge calligraphy. For copperplate pointed pen calligraphy, use an oblique holder.
Additional Spec

Both: Lightweight construction, comfortable balanced grip
Origin

Japan — Tachikawa Pen Co.
£12.50
£12.50
Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

No guide assigned.
Shipping

Packaging: 

We know art supplies are fragile. All professional pair and boards are shipped in reinforced rigid flat mailers. No tubes, no folds, no crushed corners. 


Order Processing Times: 

Orders are processed within 1–2 business days - we always aim to dispatch all “in-Stock’ items within 24 hours..

Note: Orders placed after 2 PM GMT on Fridays will be processed the following Monday.

Domestic Shipping (UK):

Standard (2–4 days): £3.50 (Free for The Illustrator & Studio Master tiers).

Priority (1–2 days): £4.50 (Free for Studio Master tier)

International Shipping: 

We ship globally. Costs are calculated at checkout based on weight and destination. Please note that customers are responsible for any local customs duties or taxes.

Order Tracking: 

You will receive a tracking link via email the moment your tools leave our studio. 
Returns

30-Day Change of Mind: 

We offer a 30-day return window (exceeding the UK legal minimum of 14 days). Items must be unused, in original packaging, and in "as-new" condition.

Faulty Goods: 

In the rare event of a defect, you are entitled to a full refund or replacement within 30 days. We will cover all return shipping costs for faulty items.

Defective Nibs: 

Occasionally, a pen may arrive dry or a nib maybe scratchy. Contact us within 7 days of purchase with a photo/video of the issue and we will send a replacement immediately.

Exclusions:

Due to the nature of the product, unless faulty we cannot accept returns on opened markers or used paper pads returned.

Digital Goods: 

The "Birthday Palette" and other digital downloads are non-refundable once accessed.


How to Start a Return: 

Email studio@inkwellartsupplies.com with your order number. We aim to process all refunds to the original payment method within 5–10 business days of receiving the item
The Nib Safety Net

"Gravity Happens. We’ve Got You Covered."

We know the heartbreak of a fountain pen hitting the floor. As a member of our Creative Rewards, you don't have to worry about the 'tines.' If the worst happens, just send us a photo and we'll send you a 50% discount for a fresh start.

"The Nib Safety Net" – Terms & Conditions

  • Eligibility: This benefit is exclusive to active members of the Creative Rewards program at the time of the accident.
  • Coverage: The 50% discount applies strictly to accidental damage (e.g., dropping the pen) that renders the nib unusable. It does not cover intentional damage, loss of the pen, theft, or normal wear and tear.
  • The Claim: To activate your discount, you must provide a clear photo of the damaged nib and your original order number to oops@yourstore.com.
  • Limitations: This discount is valid for a one-time replacement per pen purchased and applies only to the cost of the replacement nib unit. It cannot be combined with other promotional codes or used for full pen replacements.
  • Availability: We will provide the discount for the exact nib model where stock is available. If the model is discontinued, we will offer a 50% discount on a comparable alternative nib unit.

The holder that does not get in the way
The best pen holder is the one you never think about. The Tachikawa T-25 qualifies — a straight holder with a double rubber ring that grips G-nibs, Maru nibs, Brause nibs, Mitchell nibs, and most other standard dip pen nibs without adjustment or fuss. It is lighter than most European holders, balanced in the hand, and has not meaningfully changed in sixty years because nothing about it needs to change. It is the holder referenced in most Japanese manga instruction, the holder most likely to be in the hand of a professional manga artist in Tokyo, and the correct starting holder for anyone beginning dip pen illustration. The T-40 is the same holder with a cap that clips securely over the nib and prevents ink from drying on the tines between uses during a session. Useful if you work in sessions where you pick up and put down the pen many times. The cap does not seal airtight, so for extended storage between sessions the nib should still be cleaned and dried.

Honest Note:

The T-25 is a straight holder — correct for illustration and broad-edge calligraphy but mechanically incorrect for copperplate pointed pen calligraphy. The T-40's cap does not seal airtight — for extended storage between sessions, clean and dry the nib regardless of whether the cap is on.

Who is it For?

  • Anyone beginning dip pen illustration or calligraphy who needs a reliable Japanese holder
  • Illustrators who want the standard holder referenced in Japanese manga instruction
  • Practitioners who pick up and put down the pen frequently during a session (T-40 specifically)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUSTIONS (FAQ)

Which should I start with — T-25 or T-40?

The T-25. It is the correct starting holder — simple, functional, and compatible with all standard nibs. The T-40 is useful if you work in a way that involves frequently capping and uncapping the pen within a session, but for most illustrators starting out the T-25 is all that is needed.

Are Tachikawa holders compatible with European nibs like Brause and Mitchell?

Yes — the double rubber ring on both Tachikawa holders accommodates nib sizes from Japanese manga G-nibs through European calligraphy broad-edge nibs. Brause Steno, Rose, Blue Pumpkin, and the Mitchell range all fit the T-25 and T-40 without modification.

I want to do copperplate calligraphy — can I use a Tachikawa T-25?

For copperplate and Spencerian scripts, a straight holder is mechanically incorrect. These scripts require the pen at approximately 52 degrees to the writing line; achieving this with a straight holder requires extreme wrist rotation producing discomfort and inconsistency. Use an oblique holder for copperplate. For illustration and broad-edge calligraphy, the T-25 is correct.

Works perfectly with....