Angled Pen or Qalam Set: 3, 5 and 7 mm

For Arabic calligraphy and left-handed use with Kufi or Latin calligraphy. (If you're right-handed and wish to write Manuscript Kufi, you need the straight set.)

The angle is by default 45º; please let me know if you need a different, specific angle. They are cut to be fine and slightly supple when size allows. I make each pen myself and test each one for line quality. The pen number indicates the nib size in millimeters.

You can add 60ml of ink to your order at a reduced price, but note the difference between the two options:

• Black ink: Tannine ink (ḥibr حبر) from gallnuts or similar, prepared from a historical recipe. The ink appears pale at first but darkens to deep black over afew hours. (If it doesn't darken, you need to work a little more wet).
• Practice ink: Also ḥibr, from alternative plant sources (such as sumac or pomegranate), but that will dry to greys rather than deep black.

Pens are cut to order so please allow a few days before dispatch.

Mediums: Bamboo pens can be used with all inks, but also with suitably diluted watercolour and gouache. NOT recommended for use with acrylics.

Care: You can extend the life of your pen by preventing pigment from accreting on the nib: after each work session, twirl briefly in water and wipe carefully. When it starts to lose its edge, you can use a small piece of fine sandpaper to refresh it (the nib needs to be dry before it can be sanded). By these methods it can go a long way before it has to be cut again.