Eboya Hakobune Tanshin True Heart Small Fountain Pen
The Eboya Hakobune Tanshin True Heart Small Fountain Pen combines the warm feel of Japanese ebonite, a compact clipless silhouette and the expressive contrast of the Tanshin finish. Its red and black marbling changes from one pen to another, making every piece distinctive. At 128 mm long, with a 14K gold nib, it is an appealing choice for writers who value Japanese craftsmanship in a comfortable everyday size.
Concept and design
Hakobune (方舟) means “ark” in Japanese and evokes a vessel with clean, straight lines. Eboya chose the name with the hope that the pen would carry happiness to its owner. Gently tapered ends, flat finials and a clipless construction create a calm, uninterrupted silhouette.
Tanshin (丹心) is translated by Eboya as True Heart. The brand describes the ebonite as a red mixture; on the finished pen, vivid red flows through dark and nearly black areas. The marbling develops differently in every ebonite rod, so no two pens have exactly the same pattern. A discreet Eboya Made in Tokyo engraving confirms its origin.
The Small size
Hakobune Small measures 128 mm when closed, with a 12.4 mm diameter across both the body and cap. These compact proportions provide a comfortable, controlled grip while preserving the visual presence of the material. Ebonite feels naturally warm in the hand, and the absence of a clip keeps the form clean from every angle.
Writing and filling system
The Eboya Hakobune Tanshin True Heart Small is fitted with a 14K gold nib for smooth, precise and controlled writing. The nib width available for this particular pen is shown in the product selector, so the page reflects current stock rather than every option made by Eboya.
It accepts standard international cartridges and converters. Eboya recommends Pelikan converters and also confirms compatibility with Rotring; proprietary Montblanc, Waterman and Caran d’Ache converters are not compatible. This flexible system makes it easy to switch between cartridges and bottled ink.
Package contents
• Eboya Hakobune Tanshin True Heart Small Fountain Pen
• Standard international converter
• One ink cartridge
• Paulownia wood case specially prepared for Inktraveler
• Warranty
(Photographs are for reference. The distribution, intensity and shape of the marbling may vary because every ebonite body has its own pattern.)
Technical specifications
- Brand: Eboya
- Model: Hakobune
- Finish: Tanshin True Heart
- Size: Small
- Body and cap material: marbled ebonite by Nikko Ebonite Manufacturing
- Colour: red mixture with dark and nearly black areas
- Design: clipless with a threaded cap
- Closed length: 128 mm
- Body diameter: 12.4 mm
- Cap diameter: 12.4 mm
- Nib: 14K gold
- Filling system: standard international cartridge or converter
- Made in Tokyo, Japan
Ebonite care
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, high temperatures or intense humidity. When the pen is not in use, keep it clean and dry inside its case, preferably in a dark place. A clean, soft cloth is sufficient to maintain the ebonite finish; do not use abrasive products or solvents.
Before storing the fountain pen for an extended period, remove the cartridge or converter and rinse the section with room-temperature water. Do not force the cap or filling system into place. Eboya advises against pigmented inks. Slight variations in colour or texture are natural characteristics of the material and should not be considered defects.
Frequently asked questions
What does Hakobune mean?
Hakobune means “ark”. Eboya links the name to a vessel and to the hope that the pen will carry happiness to its owner.
What does Tanshin mean?
Tanshin (丹心) is the red finish that Eboya translates as True Heart.
Do all Hakobune Tanshin pens have the same marbling?
No. The balance and distribution of the red and dark areas vary in every ebonite body, giving each fountain pen its own pattern.
Which filling system does it use?
It accepts European-style standard international cartridges and converters. A standard converter and one ink cartridge are included.
Does the Eboya Hakobune have a clip?
No. Hakobune is clipless, preserving a continuous and balanced silhouette.
Eboya history and philosophy
Eboya is the writing instrument brand of Nikko Ebonite Manufacturing, a Japanese company founded in 1952 and recognised as the only active ebonite manufacturer in Japan. Ebonite is made by vulcanising natural rubber with sulphur, and its production requires experience in preparing the rods as well as turning and polishing the finished material.
In 2008, Nikko Ebonite developed its own coloured and marbled ebonite. One year later it began selling fountain pens under the Eboya name, bringing knowledge of the material and penmaking together within the same tradition. Hakobune Tanshin True Heart expresses that approach through a calm form and a pattern that belongs to one pen alone.
“A true heart finds its course when an idea begins to take shape on paper.”
