Yakumo-nuri Ryumon - Orochi

Name: Yakumo-nuri Ryumon - Orochi
Brand: Wancherpen
SKU: WF-RYMO-UR-DR-GR
Price: 650.0 USD
Availability: InStock

$650.00 USD

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Description

This pen is a pre-order system, the estimated delivery is April 2025

Notice: Each Urushi fountain pen is handcrafted with no two pieces exactly alike, which is a valuable characteristic of hand-crafted art. Therefore, the pen that you received might be slightly different from the prototype pictures, yet, at the same time, it will be a unique artwork of your own.

The Origin of Yakumo-nuri

Yakumo-nuri is a legendary Urushi (Japanese lacquer) technique that originated in Matsue City of Shimane Prefecture. Despite its reputation for beauty, it is a relatively young art style, having been invented by Matsue lacquer artist Heiichi Sakata in the early Meiji period. The name ‘Yakumo’ was invented by Heiichi Sakata, who was reportedly inspired by the oldest Japanese poem - Yakumo Tatsu.

Izumo is a land protected by clouds aplenty
And like this land of Izumo
I shall build a fence to protect the palace
Where my wife will live
Like the clouds in this land of Izumo

This poem was supposedly spoken by the Japanese deity, Susa-no-O or Susanō, after his valiant defeat of the eight-headed serpent of Japanese folklore, Yamata-no-Orochi. As one of the three most important deities of Japan, Susanō (also known as Susanoo-no-Mikoto) is the younger brother of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu and the Moon God Tsukuyomi. Unlike his divine siblings, Susanō was portrayed as a volatile yet heroic deity who was more relatable to his human subjects. His volatility is on full display in the story of how, during one of Susanō’s fits of rage, Amaterasu took shelter in a cave, which doomed the entire world to darkness.

However, Susanō is also portrayed for his heroic tendencies, such as when he happened upon a tearful goodbye between Kushinada-hime and her parents. Flummoxed by their sorrow, Susanō asked them the reason for their tears, they explained that the fearsome Yamata-no-Orochi had devoured their eight daughters, and their last daughter - Kushinada-hime - would be the next sacrifice. Susanō felt moved by this display of emotion, and offered to vanquish Yamata-no-Orochi in exchange for Kushinada-hime’s hand in marriage. Susanō ingeniously tricked Yamata-no-Orochi into drinking vats of sake (Japanese rice wine) until it had fallen drunk. As it slumbered, Susanō cut the serpent into pieces and discovered the sword known as Kusanagi-no-Tsurugu, which would later become one of the three Imperial Treasures of Japan.

Historians have long dissected this legend for metaphors, references to historically significant events, and cultural traditions, and while their theories will never be confirmed, many of the locations of this particular legend can still be seen and enjoyed today in Shimane Prefecture.

The Design

Ryumon-nuri (Flowing Pattern Urushi)

Through a process known as ‘marbling’, the artisan pours Urushi into a container with water before transferring this mixture directly onto the surface area of an item, such as a fountain pen.

The pattern varies depending on the amount of Urushi used and the area upon which it is added, which is why each design that utilizes Ryumon-nuri will result in a completely unique pen.

The Artisan: Nagaya Momoko

Born in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, Nagaya Momoko graduated from the illustrious Kanagawa College of Art before opening her own studio in the city of Izumo.

With the aim of preserving and developing the local traditional craft of Yakumo-nuri, she works on creating artworks that masterfully meld modern innovations with traditional Yakumo-nuri.

When we learned of Nagaya Momoko’s personal philosophy, it was clear that it aligned with our own commitment to preserving traditional arts, which is why we hope our collaboration will be the beginning of more artworks that can raise awareness of these underrated techniques.