Details:

• Stiking pattern of cherry blossoms and tinted autumn leaves handpainted on the ballpoint pen
• Pattern meant to symbolize spring and fall
• Resin and polyurethane base, hand painted and sprayed with a famous Yamanaka paint from Japan’s Ishikawa prefecture
• Light, durable and strong with a textured finish
• Flows smoothly, very comfortable to hold
• Ink is replaceable
• Length: 14cm (5.4″) ; Weight: 46g (1.6 ounces)
• Makes for a fine gift for those who have an appreciation of Japanese originality.

A word on Urushi

Japanese lacquerware, broadly known as “urushi” (pronounced “oorooshe”), is often red or black. The trademark Urushi deep black is achieved through a process that involves the use of iron powder. Pigments like vermillion are added to produce the classic vivid orange-red colour that was originally used to decorate pottery and preserve the bones of royalty.

Black and red lacquerware is often decorated with “maki-e”; gold, silver or other coloured powders are sprinkled onto the wet urushi. In Japanese, maki means “sprinkling” and the “e” means “picture”. Thus, in combination, “sprinkling pictures”.

With origins that date back 9,000 years, Urushi is one of the world’s most durable natural lacquers. Urushi dries or hardens by absorbing moisture from the air. When hardened, urushi is waterproof, protecting objects from heat, salt, mould and all types of weather exposure.

Thanks to its magnificent, natural beauty and remarkable strength, Urushi has become an intrinsic symbol of Japanese culture.