Kuretake ZIG Gold and Silver Pens Assortment Set for Brush Lettering, Made in Japan Review (2026)

Three pens, six tips, two colors

This set contains three double-ended pens, and each pen carries metallic gold ink on one end and metallic silver ink on the other, giving six total tips across just three physical pens. The three pens use different nib styles, covering a writer-style tip, a calligraphy tip and a brush tip, so the same two metallic colors can be applied in three different line styles depending on the project. That range lets one small set handle fine detail writing, structured calligraphy strokes and expressive brush lettering without needing separate metallic pen purchases for each technique. Having both colors built into every pen also keeps the kit compact enough to carry in a small pencil case rather than a full art supply box.

Built for dark and light paper

The set is designed for use on both light and dark paper, which is where metallic ink earns its keep, since gold and silver read far more vividly against black or deep colored cardstock than they do on plain white paper. Kuretake describes the ink as water-resistant, lightfast and archival quality, properties that matter for keepsake pieces like wedding invitations, holiday cards or framed lettering art that need to hold their color over years rather than fading. This combination of finish and durability is a common reason letterers reach for a Kuretake metallic set specifically for special-occasion projects.

Origin and brand reputation

Kuretake is a Japanese stationery manufacturer with roots going back to the early 1900s in Nara, and the company built its reputation partly on sumi ink expertise before expanding into the brush pens and markers it is now known for internationally. That long history with pigmented ink is part of why Kuretake's metallic and brush pens are frequently recommended by letterers over generic alternatives, since consistent ink flow and pigment quality are harder to get right with metallic formulas than with standard dye-based inks. This set is made in Japan, consistent with the rest of Kuretake's core brush pen lineup.

Practical handling notes

Metallic inks generally need a little more drying time than standard dye ink before the page can be handled, since the fine metallic particles suspended in the ink take longer to set fully than plain colored ink. Shaking or priming a metallic pen before use is also a common habit among users of pigment-based metallic markers, since the metallic particles can settle if a pen sits unused for a while. None of this is unique to this particular set, but it is worth planning for extra drying time when working on finished pieces rather than moving straight to sealing or shipping a project.

Where the set is limited

With only two ink colors across the whole set, buyers wanting a broader metallic palette, such as copper, rose gold or a range of jewel tones, will need to add a separate multi-color metallic set alongside this one. For projects that specifically call for a classic gold and silver combination, such as festive cards or elegant invitations, the limited palette is not really a downside, but anyone approaching this as a general metallic lettering starter kit should know it covers exactly two shades rather than a wider spread. Pairing this set with a broader metallic marker range later is a reasonable way to grow a collection without duplicating the gold and silver tones already covered here.

Frequently asked questions