ShiZen Shinkai Tame-nuri on M5 Fountain Pen

✓ 100% Genuine Urushi ✓ Contains the Maki-E Red Seal (Highest Quality of Maki-E Art) ✓ Hand-painted by highly-trained Japanese Artisans Experience the depth and mystery of the sea with the ShiZen Shinkai Tame-nuri on M5 Fountain Pen, where rich layers of urushi lacquer reveal a captivating dark blue undertone. Keisuke-san draws inspiration from colors of nature -- masterfully crafted, the smooth, polished surface reflects light beautifully, evoking the serene movement of water in shinkai (Japanese for deep sea). This was an experimental color to produce tame-nuri finish with a less common color palette and, as always, Keisuke-san brings out his lacquering ingenuity on this extraordinary masterpiece. Note: Inks not included. Kimono pen pouch may vary from the one shown in the pictures. About M5 Pen Body and Filling System: This pen was produced in partnership with Ranga Pens. Urushi lacquer is applied over a solidly constructed handmade Ranga model 5 ebonite pen body, including the threads. Pen comes with an international pen converter but pen barrel chamber can also be filled eye dropper style (eye dropper does not come with pen). Nib Details: This pen is furnished with a ShiZen 18k Gold, two-toned #6 nib, medium tip (currently ShiZen only offers one size: Medium) The logo depicts an enso circle around a bonsai tree. Both of these illustrations have connections to Zen Buddhism. Enso circle represents a tranquil meditative state where one's mind is able to be emptied so that they can exercise immense creativity. Bonsai trees are commonly grown in Japan as they are perceived as living things that require discipline to care for them -- they also serve as harmony between nature and human-beings. Technical Specification: Cap Length 84 mm (3.31") Cap Diameter 17 mm (0.67") Section Diameter 12.5 mm (0.49") Barrel Length 126 mm (4.96") Barrel Diameter 17 mm (0.67") Pen Length (Closed) 177.8 mm (7") Pen Length (Posted) Do not post cap Weight 39 g (1.38 oz) Weight (w/ink) 40 g (1.41 oz) Filling System Cartridge/Converter/Eyedropper About the Artisan: Maki-e artisan Keisuke Seki lacquered this pen. Born in 1978, he was raised in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture and grew up with a love of drawing. As a child, his mother had told him that he would make a good maki-e artisan. His mother's words inspired him into becoming a maki-e artisan later in life. After graduating high school, he entered Kyoto Traditional Crafts College in Kyoto and studied lacquer and maki-e for 2 years. He later applied and was accepted to be an apprentice under Yutaro Shimode, a graduate school professor and one of Japan's leading maki-e artisans who was known for restoring maki-e at a very prestigious shrine Ise Jingu and made lacquered products for the emperor and his wife as well as state guests. After training with Yutaro for 8 years, he became independent and took over his family business. He has lacquered various objects such as Buddhist altars, temple boxes, incense containers, sword sheaths, and tea ceremony items. He has also added to his arsenal other objects such as glasses, accessories, jewelry, and pearls. He is inspired by nature, inorganic objects, imaginary creatures, and hints of human interaction. He has won numerous awards in technical competitions sponsored by Kyoto Batsugu Cooperative Association. He has also obtained certification as a certified craftsman of kyomono and has been successful at launching a traditional craft accessories brand which has received high acclaim in various circles.