Eboya Kobue Kunpuu Leafy Wind Green Fountain Pen
The Eboya Kobue Kunpuu Leafy Wind Green Fountain Pen combines a compact, clipless silhouette with the visual depth of green marbled ebonite. Its gently curved body, 14K gold nib and handcrafted construction in Tokyo create a distinctive Japanese writing instrument for those who appreciate traditional materials, comfortable design and one-of-a-kind finishes.
Concept and Design
The Kobue (木笛) model, presented by Eboya as Little Flute, takes its name from a simple instrument closely associated with personal expression. Its silhouette is defined by two curved lines that flow along the body, creating an ergonomic and balanced profile. The absence of a clip emphasises the continuity of its shape and reinforces its minimalist aesthetic.
The Kunpuu (薫風) finish, whose meaning can be interpreted as “fragrant breeze”, is described by Eboya in English as Leafy Wind. Its combination of green shades evokes leaves moving in a gentle breeze and the freshness of a verdant landscape. On this pen, the barrel displays green marbling with darker streaks and subtle variations in intensity, while the cap features a smooth, vivid green that creates a distinctive contrast.
The pattern of the ebonite varies with every block used during production. Some pens may display more prominent dark streaks, while others reveal a greater concentration of green tones. These natural variations are an inherent characteristic of the material and give each Eboya Kobue Kunpuu its own individual appearance. The discreet Eboya Made in Tokyo engraving confirms its origin.
Functionality and Filling System
The Kobue Kunpuu is fitted with a 14K gold nib, set within an ebonite section that maintains the visual continuity of the barrel. The warmth of the material, its curved profile and compact dimensions provide a comfortable and natural grip during writing.
The filling system accepts both international standard cartridges and converters, compatible with brands such as Pelikan and Rotring (not compatible with Montblanc, Waterman or Caran d’Ache). Each body is individually hand-turned and polished in Tokyo. The precise assembly of all its components, together with the colour of the ebonite, results in a writing instrument of remarkable beauty and quality.
Package Contents
• Eboya Kobue Kunpuu Leafy Wind Green fountain pen
• International standard converter
• Ink cartridge (1 unit)
• Paulownia wood box and complimentary ink bottle, included in the special Inktraveler presentation
• Warranty
Images are for reference only. The distribution, intensity and shape of the marbling may differ from the pen shown, as every ebonite body has its own individual pattern.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Eboya
- Model: Kobue
- Finish: Kunpuu Leafy Wind Green
- Type: Japanese fountain pen
- Barrel and cap material: ebonite
- Barrel colour: marbled green with darker streaks
- Cap colour: solid green
- Design: clipless
- Closed length: 125 mm
- Uncapped length: 129 mm
- Barrel diameter: 13 mm
- Nib: 14K gold
- Filling system: international standard cartridge or converter
- Handcrafted in Tokyo, Japan
Care and Maintenance
To preserve the colour and lustre of the ebonite, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, heat and humidity. Store the pen in a dark place and occasionally wipe its surface with a soft cloth. If the pen will not be used for an extended period, remove the ink and flush the filling system thoroughly with water.
Eboya advises against using pigment inks in its fountain pens. The manufacturer also recommends cleaning the pen thoroughly before changing ink colour or switching to an ink from another manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Kobue mean?
Eboya presents the name Kobue as Little Flute. The name reflects the elongated, curved and continuous silhouette of this clipless model.
What do Kunpuu and Leafy Wind mean?
Kunpuu can be interpreted as “fragrant breeze”. Eboya uses the English expression Leafy Wind for this green finish inspired by the freshness and movement of leaves.
Does every pen have the same marbled pattern?
No. The distribution of the streaks and the intensity of the green tones vary with each block of ebonite. These natural differences ensure that no two pens look exactly alike.
Which filling system does this fountain pen use?
The Kobue Kunpuu accepts international standard cartridges and converters. The included converter allows the pen to be filled directly from an ink bottle.
Does the Eboya Kobue have a clip?
No. The clip has been deliberately omitted to preserve the model’s clean, continuous and minimalist silhouette.
Can pigment inks be used with this fountain pen?
No. Eboya specifically advises against using pigment inks in its fountain pens.
History and Philosophy of the Brand
Eboya is the writing instrument brand of Nikko Ebonite Manufacturing, a Tokyo company founded in 1952 and recognised as Japan’s only remaining manufacturer of ebonite. This traditional material is made by combining and vulcanising natural rubber with sulphur, producing a durable surface with a warm feel and a characteristic lustre developed through careful polishing.
In 2008, Nikko Ebonite succeeded in developing its own coloured and marbled ebonite. One year later, it opened the Eboya shop and began selling its original fountain pens. Since then, the company has combined its technical understanding of the material with the work of specialised craftspeople, creating writing instruments in which every colour variation becomes part of the pen’s identity.
“Like a little flute touched by the breeze, the Kobue Kunpuu turns every written word into a quiet, graceful gesture.”
