Oita Urushi - Bringing the Urushi culture to Onsen Prefecture
Aizu. Echizen. Wajima. Aomori. These are not only beautiful places to visit in Japan, they are home to historic Urushi (Japanese lacquer) arts and techniques - many of which have survived hundreds or even thousands of years. It has been our unique privilege to be able to showcase fountain pens handcrafted by Master Artisans from Aizu such as the Aka Tamenuri or Tamamushi-nuri, the Echizen Urushi collection from Echizen, as well as classics from Wajima like the Wajima Urushi collection. However, despite our headquarters being based in Oita Prefecture since the beginning, there has been a notable absence of Urushi artwork from our region beyond Master Yoko Hirota.
Oita Prefecture, which is home to the best hot springs in the world, doesn’t have the same heritage for Urushi art as these other regions. But, just because Oita didn’t have an established reputation for Urushi doesn’t mean it was impossible. Since the very beginning of our company almost fifteen years ago, we were determined to someday introduce Oita Urushi to the rest of the world. It was only a matter of time, and finding the right Master Artisan.
After all these years, we became acquainted with Master Onimaru Mayumi - an artisan trained in the Urushi Arts of Tsugaru, Aomori - when she relocated to Oita Prefecture, and through her dedication and skill in the craft, we are proud to introduce the first ever Oita Urushi collection.
But what makes Oita Urushi different?
Tsugaru Urushi (Tsugaru-nuri) is distinct and known for its exotic patterns, and vibrant colors. Using the spatula-like tool (the Shikake-bera), Tsugaru-nuri masters often use the Kara-nuri style, which involves mixing six or even more types of Urushi (Japanese lacquer) before polishing and layering with the tool to create the speckled, impossible-to-replicate patterns for each pen.
Tsugaru-nuri applied bowl
When it came time to create the first ever collection of pens for the Oita Urushi collection, we asked Master Onimaru to explore an equally unique, yet visually different design and style. This is what led her to use Charcoal (Sumi “炭”) and raw Urushi, which is naturally toxic and tar-like. Using the ebonite Dream Pen as the base, Master Onimaru polishes the entire pen until there is absolutely no glossiness or anything reflective about the pen. Afterwards, the pen is coated with the first layer of Urushi, and then it is submerged into a bowl of charcoal powder.
Master Onimaru applying Oita Urushi into Wancher Fountain Pen
Interestingly, the use of charcoal with Urushi artwork is not extremely rare, yet Master Onimaru’s decision to make charcoal a focal point certainly is. Once the powder has settled, the pen is once again coated with the darkest possible Urushi. Master Onimaru emphasized that no pen will ever have the exact same number of Urushi layers, as the technique involves the time-consuming process of layering and polishing. Once she is satisfied that the texture of charcoal powder can no longer be felt, she adds a final layer of Suki Urushi (transparent lacquer, although Suki Urushi can sometimes have different colors) before designing beautiful patterns using her own specially-made brush tool in conjunction with a dull stencil.
A dull stencil is used so that she can achieve precision without carving into the deeper layers of Urushi. By adding her custom designs on a final layer of Suki Urushi, the patterns mature into light grey, or a lighter shade of black against the backdrop of this pure black fountain pen, making it appear as if smoke and fire are dancing through the shadow of the night.
The final touches are added by Master Onimaru in the form of blood-red lines and swirls, which enhance the dark colors without ever taking away from it.
While Master Onimaru has shared her artistry and talent with the world in the form of the Oita Urushi collection for Wancher Pen, and the Sumi Raden Collection for Wancher Watch, it’s important to note that Oita Urushi will continue to evolve in the future. It is our honor to be able to support Master Artisans like Master Onimaru and Master Hirota whose genius will elevate the reputation of Oita Urushi, but our greatest hope is that someday, when people wonder about the great regions for Urushi art, Oita will be one of the first names mentioned.