Eboya Kobue Nichibo Sunset Fountain Pen

Eboya Kobue Nichibo Sunset Fountain Pen

Eboya is the last remaining ebonite manufacturer in Japan. Each pen reflects a dedication to traditional craftsmanship and material expertise. Ebonite —one of the oldest synthetic materials— is created by vulcanizing natural rubber with sulfur (25% to 50%), producing a warm, naturally glossy material. Its name derives from “ebony,” due to its early use as a substitute. Each pen bears the engraving Eboya Made in Tokyo, a testament to its origin and quality.

Design and inspiration

The Kobue model, meaning “little flute,” is one of Eboya’s most recent creations. Its silhouette is defined by two flowing curves and a clipless design that emphasizes minimalism and balance. The color Nichibo (日暮), which means “sunset,” features a warm orange marbled pattern over a black ebonite base, evoking the fading glow of the evening sky. To further elevate the design, the cap is crafted in solid black, creating a bold and elegant contrast with the richly patterned body. Each pen is turned from a unique block of ebonite, ensuring a one-of-a-kind finish.

Functionality and filling system

Equipped with a carefully tuned 14K gold nib made by the artisans at Nikko Ebonite Manufacturing, the Nichibo delivers a smooth, controlled and expressive writing experience. It uses a standard international cartridge or converter, compatible with Pelikan and Rotring (not compatible with Montblanc, Waterman or Caran d’Ache). Each pen is hand-polished and assembled in Tokyo, with a level of precision that reflects Eboya’s dedication to quality and comfort.

Package contents

• Eboya Kobue Nichibo Sunset fountain pen
• Standard international converter
• Ink cartridge (1 unit)
• Complimentary ink bottle courtesy of Inktraveler
• Paulownia wood box (At Inktraveler, Eboya pens are delivered in paulownia wood boxes instead of the brand’s standard cardboard packaging, a format reserved for premium orders in Japan.)
• Warranty

(Photos are for reference and may differ slightly from the final product.)

Technical specifications

• Body material: ebonite
• Color: orange marbled over black base (Nichibo – sunset)
• Closed length: 125 mm
• Open length: 129 mm
• Body diameter: 13 mm
• Nib: 14K gold
• Filling system: international cartridge/converter
• Made in Tokyo, Japan

Care and maintenance

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and humidity. Occasional cleaning with a soft dry cloth will preserve the pen’s finish.

Brand philosophy and history

Eboya is the in-house brand of Nikko Ebonite Manufacturing, founded in 1952 and known as Japan’s last ebonite specialist. For decades, the company supplied premium ebonite to major brands such as Sailor and Pilot. In 2009, it launched its own range of fountain pens, combining technical mastery with refined Japanese design. Until 2016, production was led by master turner Noritoshi Kanesaki, a disciple of legendary nibmeister Kubo Kohei. Today, Eboya continues to produce pens that are elegant, durable, and unmistakably distinctive.

"A warm tribute to the light that fades — captured in every stroke."