Platinum 3776 Century Kaga Hira Makie Sakura Fountain Pen

Platinum 3776 Century Kaga Hira Makie Sakura Fountain Pen

The Platinum 3776 Century Kaga Hira Makie Sakura Fountain Pen celebrates one of Japan's most beloved and iconic symbols: the cherry blossom, or sakura. Decorated using the refined traditional Kaga Hira Maki-e technique on an elegant black AS resin body, this fountain pen combines the technical excellence of the Platinum 3776 Century series with the artistic sensitivity of one of Japan's most recognised decorative arts.

The composition features delicate cherry blossoms accompanied by leaves and flower buds, representing different stages of the blooming cycle. The result is a harmonious and balanced scene that evokes the arrival of spring, the renewal of nature and the fleeting beauty that occupies a central place in Japanese culture.

The Symbolism of Sakura

Few images represent Japan as universally as the cherry blossom. Every spring, millions of people participate in hanami, the traditional appreciation of cherry blossoms, celebrating the beauty of the present moment and reflecting upon the transient nature of life.

The decoration of this fountain pen goes beyond depicting open flowers alone. Platinum has incorporated leaves and buds as well, creating a richer and more dynamic composition that symbolises growth, renewal and continuity. This combination adds visual depth and reveals new details from different viewing angles.

The Tradition of Kaga Hira Maki-e

The decoration of this fountain pen has been created using Kaga Hira Maki-e, a refined variation of traditional Japanese maki-e developed in the former province of Kaga, now Ishikawa Prefecture. This region is renowned for some of Japan's most prestigious decorative arts, including urushi lacquerware, Kutani ceramics and the traditional gold craftsmanship associated with Kanazawa.

The Kaga artistic tradition is characterised by elegant compositions, restrained use of colour and a constant pursuit of visual harmony. These qualities have made the decorative arts of the region among the most admired in Japan and continue to influence contemporary craftsmanship today.

Hira Maki-e is a flat, relief-free form of maki-e. The Japanese word hira literally means "flat" and refers to a technique in which decorative motifs are integrated into the surface without creating noticeable texture or raised elements.

To create the design, the artisan first paints the motif using urushi lacquer. Extremely fine metallic powder—typically gold—is then sprinkled onto the wet lacquer. Additional transparent layers of lacquer are applied to protect the artwork and, after careful polishing, create a perfectly smooth and elegant surface.

The urushi lacquer used in this process is traditionally obtained from the Toxicodendron vernicifluum tree. This natural material has been used in Japan for centuries due to its durability, depth and ability to preserve decorative works for generations. Its use remains one of the defining elements of traditional maki-e craftsmanship.

This technique allows artists to create remarkably delicate images while maintaining a light and refined visual appearance. Unlike more dimensional maki-e techniques, Kaga Hira Maki-e focuses on harmony, clean lines and the natural integration of decorative motifs into the object itself.

The sakura blossoms depicted on this fountain pen perfectly illustrate these qualities. White and pale pink petals are enhanced with subtle golden details that add visual depth without disturbing the overall elegance of the design. The result is a balanced decoration that reflects the Japanese appreciation for subtlety and understated beauty.

Concept and Design

The Platinum 3776 Century Kaga Hira Makie Sakura combines two complementary Japanese traditions: the technical excellence of the 3776 Century series and the artistic sensitivity of Kaga Hira Maki-e. The floral decoration unfolds across both barrel and cap in a dynamic composition where blossoms, leaves and buds appear to develop naturally across the glossy black surface.

At Inktraveler, what we find particularly interesting is how Platinum chose not to depict only fully opened blossoms. The simultaneous presence of buds, leaves and flowers at different stages of development creates a sense of movement and continuity rarely found in many traditional sakura representations.

The 3776 Century series is distinguished by Platinum's renowned Slip & Seal mechanism, designed to minimise ink evaporation and keep the fountain pen ready to write even after long periods of inactivity. It is paired with a Japanese-made 14K gold nib celebrated for its precision, smoothness and reliability.

The combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering makes this fountain pen particularly appealing both to collectors and to writers who wish to enjoy an authentically hand-decorated Japanese fountain pen every day.

The Platinum 3776 Century Series

The 3776 collection takes its name from the height of Mount Fuji, 3,776 metres, a symbol of perfection and an enduring cultural reference in Japan. For decades, the series has represented one of Platinum's most prestigious collections thanks to the quality of its nibs and its exceptional reliability.

The original model was developed under the supervision of Haruo Umeda, known as “Mr. Fountain Pen”, with the goal of creating the ideal fountain pen for everyday writing and precision performance.

14K Gold Nib

The Platinum 3776 Century Kaga Hira Makie Sakura is fitted with a Japanese-made 14K gold nib available in Fine, Medium and Broad sizes. Its performance is defined by the precision, control and smooth writing experience that have made Platinum nibs highly respected among fountain pen enthusiasts.

The combination of the gold nib and advanced feed system ensures consistent ink flow and a pleasant writing experience, whether for everyday notes or extended writing sessions.

Functionality and Filling System

Equipped with a cartridge/converter filling system, this fountain pen includes a Platinum converter and can be used with both Platinum cartridges and bottled fountain pen inks.

Its balanced dimensions, moderate weight and carefully designed ergonomics allow comfortable writing for extended periods while maintaining a secure and pleasant feel in hand.

Slip & Seal System

Platinum's Slip & Seal mechanism helps prevent ink evaporation inside the pen, allowing it to remain ready for use even after extended periods without writing.

This innovation has become one of the most appreciated features of the 3776 Century series and a practical advantage valued by regular fountain pen users.

Package Contents

The Platinum 3776 Century Kaga Hira Makie Sakura is presented in a Platinum gift box and includes a Platinum converter, a blue-black ink cartridge and a complimentary ink bottle courtesy of Inktraveler.

Images are for reference only. As each piece is decorated using traditional hand-applied maki-e techniques, slight variations may occur from one pen to another.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is each pen hand decorated?
Yes. The Kaga Hira Maki-e decoration is applied by hand, so small variations between individual pens may occur.

Does it include a converter?
Yes. The fountain pen includes a Platinum converter for use with bottled inks.

What does the Sakura motif represent?
It depicts cherry blossoms, leaves and flower buds, symbolising the arrival of spring and the fleeting beauty celebrated throughout Japanese culture.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Platinum
• Collection: 3776 Century Kaga Hira Makie
• Motif: Sakura (Cherry Blossom)
• Reference: PNB-30000B #40 Sakura
• Decorative Technique: Kaga Hira Maki-e
• Base Material: AS Resin
• Nib: 14K Gold
• Filling System: Platinum Cartridge / Converter
• Slip & Seal System: Yes
• Length: 139.5 mm
• Maximum Diameter: 14.5 mm
• Weight: 18.5 g
• Made in Japan

History and Philosophy of the Brand

Since its foundation in 1919, Platinum Pen Co. has established itself as one of Japan's great writing instrument manufacturers. Its commitment to craftsmanship and technological innovation is reflected in every creation. The 3776 series, named after the height of Mount Fuji (3,776 m), symbolises the pursuit of perfection and the connection between writing and Japanese tradition.

The original 3776 was designed in 1978 by the late writing specialist Haruo Umeda—known as “Mr. Fountain Pen”—together with Platinum's design team. His ambition was to create the ideal fountain pen. The response was immediate: more than 150,000 units were sold during the first six months, establishing a collection that remains highly respected today.

Between 2009 and 2011, Platinum undertook a major technical redevelopment based on more than 40,000 writing samples collected by its subsidiary Nakaya. Nibs, feeds and internal components were redesigned from the ground up, resulting in the modern Century series and its reputation for exceptional reliability and performance.

"Because every line deserves to begin with precision, even after the passage of time."