Top Calligraphy Pen Brands for Artistic Flourish

Calligraphy, an art form requiring precision and elegance, is greatly influenced by the tools used, especially the quality of pens. Choosing the right calligraphy pen can make a significant difference in the outcome of your work, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned artist. There are numerous brands available in the market, each offering unique features and benefits to cater to different styles and preferences. To help you find the perfect pen for your calligraphy journey, we have compiled a list of some of the best and most popular brands below.

Illustration of calligraphy pens

Best brands of calligraphy pens in 2025

Pilot

Pilot is renowned as one of the best producers of calligraphy pens, particularly with its innovative Pilot Parallel Calligraphy Pen, which is available in four sizes from 1.5mm to 6mm and is praised for its unique writing experience and robust care instructions. Established in 1918, Pilot Corporation has a global presence, supplying writing instruments to around 190 countries and operating through 18 subsidiaries. The company's commitment to quality and sustainability is evident in its pen collection program initiated in 2020 to recycle pens and reduce waste. Pilot's Namiki fountain pens, crafted with traditional Japanese techniques like "Maki-e," showcase exceptional craftsmanship and individuality. With a strong market position and continuous innovation, Pilot remains a leader in the stationery industry.

Tombow

Tombow is renowned as one of the best producers of calligraphy pens, having supported creative individuals worldwide since its founding in 1913. The company, known for its high-quality and reliable writing instruments, introduced its first ballpoint pens in 1958 and felt-tip pens in 1964, which were well-received globally. Tombow's Dual Brush Markers, developed in 1984, are particularly popular for calligraphy and artistic purposes due to their water-based, odorless, and non-toxic properties. These markers are available in a wide range of colors and are favored by artists, journal writers, and calligraphy students. Tombow's commitment to innovation and quality has earned it numerous design awards, including the iF Product Design Award and the Red Dot Award.

Sakura

Sakura is renowned as one of the top producers of calligraphy pens, known for their high-quality and archival-grade inks. The Sakura Gelly Roll and Pigma Micron pens are particularly popular for their smooth, saturated ink flow and durability, with the Pigma Micron pens featuring tip sizes ranging from 0.15 mm to 3.0 mm and meeting the safety standards of the Art & Creative Materials Institute. Sakura's products are favored by artists and writers due to their non-toxic and fade-proof properties. The global calligraphy pen market, which includes Sakura, is forecast to grow significantly, with key companies like Sakura holding a substantial market share. Sakura's metallic and glitter effects pens are also highly praised for their vibrant and shiny finishes.

Pentel

Pentel is a renowned brand in the calligraphy and writing instruments market, known for its high-quality and innovative products. The Pentel Brush Sign Pens, for instance, are highly praised for their vibrant, water-soluble ink and flexible brush tips, making them ideal for calligraphy, brush lettering, and illustration. These pens are available in 24 beautiful colors and are appreciated for their smooth writing experience and blending capabilities. Pentel, along with other key players like Tombow and Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd., holds a significant market share, with the marker pens market anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2024 to 2032. For more information about Pentel Brush Sign Pens, visit their official product page.

Staedtler

Staedtler is renowned as one of the top producers of calligraphy pens, known for their high-quality and innovative products. Their pigment arts pen range, which includes brush pens, soft brush pens, and calligraphy pens, features Multi Ink technology that ensures extreme lightfastness, water resistance, and fast-drying properties. This technology prevents ink from bleeding through paper, making the pens ideal for various artistic applications. Staedtler's commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of 97% recycled PP for the pen barrels and 80% recycled material for packaging. The brand's global export data shows significant growth, with China, India, and Vietnam leading in Staedtler pen exports.

Faber-Castell

Faber-Castell is a renowned brand in the calligraphy pen market, known for its high-quality art supplies and commitment to sustainability. The company produces 2.3 billion pencils and colored pencils annually, utilizing wood from sustainably-managed forests and planting 300,000 new seedlings each year. As a key player in the writing instruments market, Faber-Castell holds a significant share, contributing to the market's growth forecasted to reach USD 18.1 billion by 2032. Their products are favored for their precision and durability, making them a top choice among calligraphy enthusiasts. Faber-Castell's dedication to environmental responsibility and product excellence solidifies its position as one of the best producers of calligraphy pens.

Kuretake Zig

Kuretake Zig is a renowned brand for calligraphy pens, originating from Japan and established in the 1970s during a period of post-war recession. The brand is known for its high-quality, affordable stationery products, with the 'Kuretake ZIG' Fine liner pen being the first hit product to gain global recognition, now sold in over 80 countries. The ZIG brand is celebrated for its innovative products, such as the ultra-fine 0.3mm tip pens and the Calligraphy Dual Tip Pens, which are excellent for italic and gothic calligraphy. Kuretake's commitment to quality and innovation has made it a leading manufacturer in the art and crafts industry, with a history dating back to 1902. The company continues to innovate, participating in global events like Cosmoprof Asia 2024. For more information, visit their official website.

Rotring

Rotring, established in Germany in 1928, is renowned as one of the best producers of calligraphy pens, particularly with its Art Pen series, which offers high-quality fountain pens suitable for calligraphy. The brand's Rapidograph and Isograph models have been instrumental in technical drawing, with the Rapidograph becoming the prototypical technical pen by 1953. Rotring's products are characterized by their precision, high-quality materials, and distinctive red ring trademark. Despite the advent of computer-aided design (CAD) in the 1990s, Rotring has continued to innovate, introducing products like the "800+" hybrid mechanical pencil in 2014. The brand's commitment to industrial design and precision has made its products staples in both artistic and technical fields. For more comprehensive insights, you can visit Rotring's Wikipedia page.

Manuscript

Manuscript, a British brand since 1856, is renowned as 'The Calligraphy Company' for its high-quality calligraphy pens, markers, and accessories. With a rich history of manufacturing pens in the West Midlands, Manuscript has served European kings and contributed to the development of the modern ballpoint pen. Their products cater to both budding and expert calligraphers, offering a diverse range that includes dip nibs, fountain pen nibs, and modern calligraphy markers. Manuscript's commitment to quality and artisan craftsmanship has made their products a favorite among artists, authors, and writers worldwide. Their beautiful sets and contemporary calligraphy tools are ideal for practicing ascenders and descenders with ease.

Parker

Parker is renowned as one of the best producers of calligraphy pens, known for its high-quality and precision craftsmanship. The brand has a long history of innovation, particularly in the fountain pen market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2024 to 2031. Parker's pens are favored by calligraphy enthusiasts and professionals alike, contributing to the brand's strong presence in the global fountain pen ink market, which was valued at USD 2541.2 million in 2024. The brand's commitment to quality and design has made it a staple in the luxury pen market, which is projected to reach USD 3.6 billion by 2031. Parker's pens are often sought after for their durability and aesthetic appeal, making them a popular choice for both everyday writing and artistic expression. For more information, visit the Parker official website.