Eboya Kyouka Shinkai Deep Sea Medium Fountain Pen

Eboya Kyouka Shinkai Deep Sea Medium Fountain Pen

The Eboya Kyouka Shinkai Deep Sea Medium Fountain Pen is a handcrafted piece made in Tokyo by Eboya, the writing instruments brand of Nikko Ebonite. The name “Kyouka” (響華) comes from the Japanese expression Kyoukasuigetsu, meaning “flower in the mirror,” a subtle and hard-to-reach image evoking ephemeral beauty and technical perfection. Ebonite was one of the first synthetic polymers to be discovered, obtained by vulcanizing pure rubber with successive applications of sulfur (between 25% and 50%). Its name derives from ebony, as it began to replace it in certain applications due to similar properties. The “Shinkai Deep Sea” finish reproduces the deep blue of the ocean with a unique marbled pattern, achieving a sober and elegant presence.

Concept and Design

Kyouka is an “Onoto”-style fountain pen, a straight, minimalist design first created in the United Kingdom in 1905 by Thomas De La Rue & Co. with their famous “Onoto The Pen,” which reached Japan in 1919 and was used by renowned authors such as Natsume Soseki.

The origin of the name “Onoto” is still debated. One widely repeated theory claims it was chosen because it sounded the same in any language, although historical research suggests other possible origins: it may derive from Japanese watchmaker Ono Tokusaburo, who in 1885 registered a patent for a stylographic pen whose features were incorporated into early Onostyle and Nota Bene models produced by De La Rue. Another hypothesis links it to the plant-based pigment “onoto” or annatto, used as a red dye in printing and as a signature color in Onoto’s brand image (including the famous British red pillar mailbox featured in their advertising).

It is also possible that the name evolved from “Nota” in Nota Bene, one of the stylographs that preceded the Onoto. With no definitive records (most archives were lost in the 1940 London Blitz), the history retains its aura of mystery, but the style endures as a symbol of elegance and functionality.

Eboya has reinterpreted this classic in the Kyouka series, adapting the “Onoto” aesthetic to a modern cartridge/converter filling system. The body, handcrafted from marbled deep blue ebonite with a black base, is an exclusive design by Nikko Ebonite Manufacturing, and as in all pieces by the brand, it is engraved with Eboya Made in Tokyo. This Medium version offers a more substantial body, perfect for those who prefer greater presence in the hand and a comfortable grip for long writing sessions.

Functionality and Filling System

Fitted with a 14-karat gold nib, the Kyouka delivers smooth and controlled writing performance. It uses an international cartridge/converter filling system, compatible with brands such as Pelikan or Rotring (not compatible with Montblanc, Waterman, or Caran d’Ache). Each pen body is individually crafted, continuing the tradition of Tokyo’s artisanal workshops.

Package Contents

• Eboya Kyouka Shinkai Deep Sea Medium Fountain Pen
• Standard international converter
• Ink cartridge
• Complimentary ink bottle, courtesy of Inktraveler
• Presented in a paulownia wood box instead de cardbox case.
• Eboya international warranty

Photographs are for reference only; actual products may vary slightly.

Technical Specifications

• Closed length: 142 mm
• Barrel diameter: 18 mm
• Weight: approx. 34 g
• Body material: “Shinkai” ebonite
• Black ebonite base with deep blue marbling, original design by Nikko Ebonite Manufacturing
• Nib: 14K gold
• Filling system: international cartridge/converter
• Available colors in the Kyouka series: “Tanshin” (red), “Nichibo” (orange), “Kogetsu” (yellow), “Wakaba” (yellow-green), “Kunpu” (green), “Shinkai” (blue), “Shinryu” (beige) and “Black Ebonite” (solid black). Other colors available upon request. Delivery time not specified.

Avoid direct exposure to sunlight or humidity, and store in a dark place. Occasional cleaning with a soft cloth is sufficient to maintain its beauty.

Photographs are for reference only and may differ slightly from the final product.

Brand History and Philosophy

Eboya is the flagship brand of Nikko Ebonite Mfg, Japan’s last remaining manufacturer specializing in ebonite. Since 1952, this family-owned company has supplied this noble material to major writing instrument makers such as Sailor and Pilot. In 2009, they launched their own line of fountain pens with the aim of combining technical expertise and aesthetic refinement. Each pen is crafted in their Tokyo workshop with an uncompromising dedication to quality and detail. Their legacy is built on combining traditional vulcanization techniques with excellence in finishing, creating writing instruments that stand the test of time.

“May the depth of the Shinkai blue inspire every word you put to paper.”