Wajima Urushi - Toki-iro Bokashi

Note: As Urushi is applied manually with hand, small dots may sometimes appear on the surface during the drying process, depending on the temperature and humidity. It is not a defect, but rather a natural occurrence that does not interfere with the aesthetic or value of traditional art.

A Symbol of Wajima's Revival

As we dawned on a New Year in 2024, Japan was suffered a powerful earthquake, which affected the residents of the Noto Peninsula the most. The city of Wajima - the home of many Urushi arts - was struck particularly hard by the earthquake, yet the people's pride and enthusiasm for Wajima Urushi craftsmanship is stronger than ever.

In an effort to restore Wajima-nuri, Wancher and renowned artisans of Wajima Urushi, Taya Shikkiten, as well as the Silver Studio in Shiga, have collaborated to create a new collection of fountain pens to act as a symbol of the Noto Peninsula and Wajima's revival. 

Rebuilding Wajima Urushi Tradition

To be able to lend our hand contributing for the revival of Wajima Urushi tradition, is what we strive for. The idea of bringing a new fountain pen that can appeal this message brought us to Noto Fountain Pen, the pen that symbolises both resilience and strength of Wajima people.

"We must not let the light of Wajima Urushi be extinguished. We must do everything we can to revive the fire of this traditional art." Spoken by the 10th Generation President of Taya Shikkiten after the earthquake's devastation, his words represent the strength and determination of Taya Shikkiten, which quickly resumed operations despite the destruction of their studio and gallery. Wajima lacquerware has a depth and luster that is unparalleled in the world, which is further enhanced after continued usage. The outstanding beauty of Wajima lacquerware and the high technical skills of the craftsmen cannot be lost. 

A Masterpiece of Wajima Urushi

We carefully processed the thought on how to express this shape in a simple way with a fountain pen. We drew a sketch, created a sample design, and decided on ebony wood as the material. For the designs, two types are available: the creamy dark ivory-pink tone and the second one jet black-dark purple tone which are both applied using the advanced Bokashi-nuri technique. Bokashi Nuri is a high skill lacquering technique that requires many years to master.

Originally, the Urushi itself has no color. However, colored Urushi is created by mixing natural Suki-urushi (clear lacquer) and pigments. In this technique, colors of Japanese crested ibis wings and Hepatica flower can be poured into the fountain pen with soft gradation. We selected the color of Japanese crested ibis (Toki) and the color of Hepatica flower (Yukiwarisou) as a symbol of the Noto Peninsula and a prayer for its recovery.

925 Silver Roll-stopper

The cap adorned with a roll-stopper which in reference to the Hepatica Flower native to the Noto Peninsula. The Hepatica Flower, which means "Patience" in floriography, is the flower of Wajima city, and it has become the symbol of the strength and willpower within the hearts of its citizens as they forge towards recovery. To ensure the highest of quality, it is made of pure silver and produced at a workshop specializing in silver smithing in Shiga Prefecture. 

Making Process 

Every single pen is painted by the hands of Japanese craftsmen in Wajima.

The creation of an Urushi fountain pen takes a least 3 months or even longer to make sure the final piece of art is at its most beautiful finish.

Specifications

Material & art: Ebony wood, Urushi

Filling mechanism: Converter or Cartridge (European International Standard)

Nib: #6 Jowo stainless steel, Wancher 18K gold, Keiryu, Keiryu-Kodachi

Feed: Plastic, ebonite black, ebonite red

Size & Shape

Packaging

Traditional Japanese Wooden Box + Pen Kimono + Instructional Materials + Certificate + Converter + Cartridge