Eboya Houga Shinryou Dragon God Small Fountain Pen
The Eboya Houga Shinryou Dragon God Small Fountain Pen brings the warm feel of Japanese ebonite to a compact, clipless cigar shape. Its individual beige marbling, 128 mm closed length and 14K gold nib create a distinctive pen with well-matched proportions. It suits writers who want genuine Tokyo craftsmanship in a manageable size for regular use.
Concept and design
Houga is written 萌芽, a Japanese word associated with a sprout, germination and something beginning to emerge. Eboya chose the name in the hope that its fountain pens would accompany the arrival of new ideas. That thought is expressed through a calm cigar silhouette with softly rounded ends, uninterrupted lines and no clip.
The Shinryou finish is represented by the characters 神龍 and described by Eboya as its “Dragon God” beige mixture. The pattern runs through the material and changes in every rod, so no two pens have exactly the same marbling. The barrel and cap are made from original ebonite by Nikko Ebonite Manufacturing and carefully hand-finished in Tokyo.
The Small size
At 128 mm when closed, with a 12.4 mm diameter across both barrel and cap, the Houga Small is the compact version of this silhouette. Its proportions suit writers who prefer a manageable fountain pen or want an ebonite instrument that is easy to carry safely inside its case.
Filling system
The Houga Small accepts standard international cartridges and converters. A cartridge offers a quick, convenient refill, while the converter allows the use of bottled inks and makes it easy to explore different colours. This familiar system keeps everyday maintenance straightforward and replacement supplies widely accessible.
Package contents
• Eboya Houga Shinryou Dragon God Small Fountain Pen
• Standard international converter
• Ink cartridge (1 unit)
• Paulownia wood case specially prepared for Inktraveler
• Warranty
(Product photographs are for guidance. The distribution and intensity of the marbling may vary from the pen shown because every ebonite barrel has its own pattern.)
Technical specifications
- Brand: Eboya
- Manufacturer: Nikko Ebonite Manufacturing
- Model: Houga Small
- Finish: Shinryou Dragon God
- Official colour: beige
- Barrel and cap material: marbled Japanese ebonite
- Design: clipless cigar shape
- Closed length: 128 mm
- Barrel diameter: 12.4 mm
- Cap diameter: 12.4 mm
- Nib: Bock number 5 in 14K gold
- Filling system: standard international cartridge or converter
- Made and polished by hand in Tokyo, Japan
Caring for ebonite
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, high temperatures or intense humidity. When the pen is not in use, keep it clean and dry in a dark place, preferably inside its case. A gentle wipe with a clean, dry cloth is sufficient for routine exterior care; abrasive products and solvents should not be used.
Before storing the fountain pen for a prolonged period, remove the cartridge or converter and flush the section and feed with water. A thorough cleaning is also advisable before changing ink colour or manufacturer. Eboya expressly states that pigment inks must not be used in its fountain pens.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Houga Small best suited to?
Writers who prefer a compact, manageable and clipless fountain pen for regular use, or who want a handcrafted Japanese pen without the larger proportions of the Houga Large.
Do all Houga Shinryou pens have the same pattern?
No. The position, density and direction of the marbling vary in every ebonite rod. Each pen is visually individual and may show natural differences from the photographs.
Which filling system does it use?
The pen accepts standard international cartridges and converters. Its presentation includes a converter and one ink cartridge.
Eboya history and philosophy
Eboya is the writing-instrument brand of Nikko Ebonite Manufacturing, founded in Tokyo in 1952 and recognised as Japan's only remaining ebonite manufacturer. The company makes the material from natural rubber, sulphur and ebonite powder through a mixing and vulcanisation process that demands close control of temperature and time.
Beige ebonite plays an important role in the development of Nikko Ebonite's marbled colours. Its natural tone affects the final result, requiring each formula to anticipate how pigments will change during vulcanisation. In the Houga Shinryou, this knowledge of the material is joined by careful machining and hand polishing, turning every variation into an essential part of the finished pen.
“Like a new shoot announcing what is still to come, every line can become the beginning of a new idea.”
