{"product_id":"uni-mitsubishi-hi-uni-4b-pencil-box-12-sketching-drawing","title":"Uni Mitsubishi Hi-Uni 4B Pencil – Box of 12 | Extra Soft Graphite for Sketching \u0026 Deep Shadow Work","description":"\u003ch2\u003eUni Mitsubishi Hi-Uni 4B Pencil – Box of 12\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBold. Dark. Expressive. The Uni Hi-Uni 4B is the pencil for artists who want to make a statement on paper. Softer and darker than 3B, the 4B grade delivers a dramatically rich graphite tone that responds to the lightest touch — perfect for deep shadow rendering, loose gestural sketching, dramatic portrait work, and large-scale tonal studies. Crafted in Japan by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., it brings the Hi-Uni’s unmatched smoothness to one of the most expressive grades in the range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e✦ Key Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e4B Extra Soft Grade – Bold, Dark, Expressive:\u003c\/strong\u003e Significantly softer and darker than 3B, the 4B lays down a dramatically rich graphite tone with minimal pressure — ideal for deep shadows, bold gestural strokes, and large tonal areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUltra-Smooth Graphite Core:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hi-Uni’s proprietary graphite formula delivers a luxuriously smooth, drag-free stroke — even at this extra-soft grade, the line feels controlled and consistent\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSuperior Blendability:\u003c\/strong\u003e The extra-soft graphite blends and smudges effortlessly with a stump, tortillon, or fingertip — creating seamless tonal gradients from deep black to delicate mid-tone\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBreak-Resistant Lead:\u003c\/strong\u003e Advanced core-bonding technology keeps the soft graphite core firmly centered, significantly reducing tip breakage during bold, expressive strokes\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePremium Japanese Cedar Casing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sharpens cleanly to a fine point; fine-grain cedar ensures a smooth, consistent sharpening experience and a satisfying studio feel\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBox of 12:\u003c\/strong\u003e Presented in the iconic Hi-Uni gold-foil box — a complete professional set ready for the studio, life drawing class, or location sketching\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e✦ Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Uni Mitsubishi (Japan)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hi-Uni\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrade:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4B\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuantity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12 pencils per box\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBest For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep shadow rendering, expressive figure drawing, portrait work, large tonal studies, charcoal-style effects\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Made in Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e✦ Frequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: What is the difference between 4B and 3B or 2B in the Hi-Uni range?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA: The higher the B number, the softer and darker the pencil. 2B is a popular all-round soft grade; 3B is darker and more expressive; 4B goes further still — depositing a noticeably richer, deeper tone with very little pressure. Artists use 4B when they need the darkest shadows in a drawing or want a bold, gestural quality to their marks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Is 4B too soft for detailed linework?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA: The 4B is best suited for tonal work, shading, and expressive strokes rather than fine detail lines. Most artists use it alongside harder grades — for example, H or HB for structural lines and 4B for the deepest shadow areas. This combination creates a full, dynamic tonal range in a single drawing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: How quickly does a 4B tip wear down?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA: Soft grades like 4B wear down faster than hard grades because the graphite is less dense. However, the Hi-Uni’s break-resistant core means the tip wears gradually rather than snapping — and many artists actually prefer a slightly worn 4B tip for broader, more expressive shading strokes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Does the 4B smudge easily?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA: Yes — intentionally so. The extra-soft graphite smudges readily, which is a feature for blending smooth tonal transitions and atmospheric effects. Always rest your hand on a clean sheet of paper while working, and apply a fixative spray to protect finished artwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: How does the Hi-Uni 4B compare to Faber-Castell 9000 4B or Staedtler Mars Lumograph 4B?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA: The Hi-Uni 4B is consistently rated as the smoothest and most consistent soft-grade pencil in its class. Professional illustrators and fine artists frequently cite it as superior to both the Faber-Castell 9000 and Staedtler Mars Lumograph at 4B — delivering a richer, more uniform tone with less grittiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: How many pencils come in the box?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA: Each box contains 12 Hi-Uni 4B pencils in Mitsubishi’s signature gold-foil presentation box.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Uni Mitsubishi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46593369767970,"sku":"HI-UNI-12-4B","price":26.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0902\/3045\/6354\/files\/HI-UNI-PENCIL-12-PACK-4B.jpg?v=1787820083","url":"https:\/\/www.xypen.com\/products\/uni-mitsubishi-hi-uni-4b-pencil-box-12-sketching-drawing","provider":"XYPen","version":"1.0","type":"link"}