Iron gall ink is a historic ink that has been widely used since the Middle Ages for writing and drawing. It is made from a combination of gallo-tannic acid extracted from oak galls (small growths on oak trees caused by wasp larvae) and iron sulphate. The ink is initially pale when applied to paper but darkens to a deep, rich black or dark brown as it oxidizes.
This ink was favoured for centuries because of its permanence and resistance to fading, making it a popular choice for official documents, manuscripts, and artworks. Iron gall ink is known for its fluidity and smooth flow, allowing for fine, precise lines in both calligraphy and illustration.
