Sailor Urushi Rei Wajima Akebono Fountain Pen
Wajima-nuri Craftsmanship (Ishikawa, Japan)
In the city of Wajima, on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, one of Japan’s most demanding lacquer traditions has been preserved for centuries. Wajima’s harsh climate required exceptionally durable urushi coatings, leading to the development of countless processes from the base layer to the final coating. Over time, Wajima-nuri became renowned throughout Japan as a mark of excellence. The traditional Wajima urushi technique has been recognized as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan.
Techniques: Tamenuri and Akebono
Among the techniques practiced in Wajima are Tamenuri (Sailor Urushi Rei Wajima Tamenuri Fountain Pen) and Akebono, which is featured in this piece.
Finish of this piece
The term Akebono means “daybreak.” Master artisan Masanori Sumi expresses through this finish the moment when darkness fades and the first light of dawn appears. The red urushi base gently merges with darker layers, creating a gradation that symbolizes the transition from shadow to light. With use and time, the inner warmth of the red lacquer becomes more vivid, shining with increasing depth, like the sun emerging over the horizon.
Artisan
The Akebono finish of this pen was crafted by Masanori Sumi, an artisan based in Wajima with over four decades of experience. He began his training in the 1970s and is one of the few specialists who has mastered more than one hundred urushi lacquering processes, including preparation, base coating, intermediate coating, top coating, and polishing.
Paulownia Wood Case
The Japanese paulownia wood box is the ideal container for preserving lacquered works due to its stability and lightness, featuring a fine, detailed grain. The braided strap is sturdy and traditionally associated with tea utensils such as those used by the historical tea master Sen no Rikyū.
At Inktraveler, we include a complimentary ink bottle so you can enjoy the pleasure of writing from the very first moment.
Specifications
- Nib: 21K gold
- Filling system: Converter and cartridge
- Materials: Grip section in PMMA resin; cap and barrel in ebonite with Wajima Akebono Urushi finish
- Size: φ17 × 151 mm
- Weight: 31.2 g
- Presentation: Paulownia wood box (156 × 201 × 49 mm).
Images for reference only; slight variations may exist from the original product.
"Each stroke reflects the awakening of light. The Sailor Urushi Rei Wajima Akebono embodies the patience of the artisan and the beauty that slowly emerges, like the first light of day across the horizon."
