Tsuikin - Twin Dragons - Black Sohari

Note: - The Tsuikin art does not required any polishing step. Therefore, sometimes it might leave the surface with a few uneven dots. *Please do not mistake this with defects.* - This model comes with Shogun 18K nib as a default option. Pre-Order Notice: Limited Slot for Pre-order Available, the production completion is scheduled to be by the end of February 2027. The Ryukyu Tsukin Urushi Wancher Tsuikin fountain pens came with the motif of Twin Dragons, which are made with Tsuikin-mochi mixed with real platinum and gold powder. The Twin Dragons are legendary auspicious creature in Okinawan mythology and folktales besides Shisa (another mythical symbol of Okinawan culture). A brief history of Okinawa The Ryukyu Islands first appeared in the ancient Chinese history book entitled "Sui Shu” around 607. After almost one and a half decades of going through the Chinese tributary system, two dynasties, and the Satsuma invasion, Ryukyu Kingdom was demolished by Meiji Government in 1879, and Okinawa prefecture was born. Yet again, when the Pacific War ended in 1945, Okinawa was once again parted from Japan as the U.S limitary remained under their governance for the following 27 years. On May 15, 1972, Okinawa was officially returned to Japan, marking a new milestone in both Okinawa and Japan's history. The origin of Ryukyu Tsuikin art Despite the complicated history, the culture and traditional crafts, especially lacquering, fortunately, have flourished, preserved, and continued until today. Old documents record that Okinawan lacquerware appeared as soon as 1427, with a purchase record from Emperor Xuanzong of the Ming Dynasty. After the establishment of the First Ryukyu Dynasty (1429), the Kaizuri Bugyosho (a magistrate's office for lacquerware production) was founded. In Okinawa, where politics and culture are deeply connected, lacquerware and lacquer ornaments were indispensable for ceremonies and rituals, not only for royalties and warrior families but also for local communities. Especially, after the invasion by the Satsuma Domain, the need of lacquerware increases as they need to tribute to both the Tokugawa shogunate and Chinese emperors. Therefore, the Ryukyu Kingdom put the Kaizuri Bugyosho under its direct control to strengthen lacquerware production. During this period - the highest peak of Ryukyu lacquer, Ryukyu governors even sent craftsmen to China several times and brought in various lacquering techniques. One of those craftsmen - Higa Josho has developed the Okinawan-own technique - Tsuikin. How Tsuikin art was made “Tsuikin" involves many processes and requires a high level of skill. First, pigments are kneaded into lacquer to make "Tsuikin-mochi," which is shaped like a rice cake. Next, the Tsuikin-mochi is rolled out thinly on a board using a roller to cut out a pattern to be pasted on a vessel. In addition, fine lines are chiseled on the pasted pattern, which is then colored last. Highly adhesive, the finish can last for a long time. There are three models we would like to present to you this time: Tsuikin - Twin Dragons - Black Urushi Tsuikin - Twin Dragons - Red Urushi Tsuikin - Twin Dragons - Urushi So-hari (Base: Nashiji Tsuikin-mochi) We hope that this symbol will deliver the cultural value of Okinawa as well as good luck to the fountain pens' owners. Holding this pen in your palms, we can feel the rich Okinawan history running through your veins and feel closer to the culture of Okinawa. Specifications Material & art: Ebonite, Tsuikin Urushi Filling mechanism: Converter or Cartridge (European International Standard) Nib: 18K Shogun Nib (#6 size) Feed: Plastic Compact air-tight cap: Prevents dried-out ink problem Size & Shape Packaging Traditional Japanese Wooden Box + Pen Kimono + Instructional Materials + Certificate + Converter + Cartridge