Dream Pen Ryukyu Tsuikin - Okinawa Urushi

On May 15, 2022, Okinawa prefecture celebrates the 50th anniversary of its return to Japan.
To commemorate this major milestone in Okinawan history, Wancher is thrilled to introduce you to another traditional-art-infused fountain pen - Dream Pen Ryukyu Tsuikin.

1. Okinawa History2. About Tsuikin Art3. Making Process
4. Tsuikin Twin Dragons5. Tsuikin Hibiscus6. Tsuikin Shell Ginger (NEW!)

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

Dream Pen Tsuikin - Twin Dragons

On our first release in 2022, we presented you three Dragon models:

- Tsuikin - Twin Dragons - Black Urushi
- Tsuikin - Twin Dragons - Red Urushi
- Tsuikin - Twin Dragons - Urushi So-hari (Base: Nashiji Tsuikin-mochi)

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).

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.

Dream Pen Tsuikin - Hibiscus

Wancher's second series of Dream Fountain pen Ryukyu Tsuikin Hibiscus beautifully expresses the tropical flower hibiscus using the technique of Ryukyu lacquerware, a traditional craft of Okinawa.

Original craftwork
of Okinawa

Tsuikin technique is unique to Ryukyu lacquerware and has a three-dimensional decoration that is stunning. There are two types of colors, one with a red hibiscus design on a black lacquer and the other with a yellow hibiscus design on a red vermilion lacquer. Both are products that make you feel the vividness and gorgeousness of Okinawa.

Okinawa Lacquer Craft Co., Ltd. has inherited the traditional craft technique of lacquer that has been handed down in Okinawa Prefecture, and its technology and artistry are highly valued in the world

Hibiscus 

Hibiscus is an important flower for the people of Okinawa, as it gives them a sense of tropical atmosphere.
In Okinawa, the Hibiscus flower can be enjoyed all year round although its life span is actually for one day. This makes people relate to Hibiscus as a flower with delicate beauty.

Shell Ginger

The essence of Okinawa comes alive in the form of the Tsuikin Shell Ginger Fountain Pen.

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The amber color of the Tamesukashi base mimics the color of dusk, and acts as a powerful point of contrast for the brighter shades of pink and green of the Shell Ginger design. As with the Tsuikin Twin Dragons and Tsuikin Hibiscus, this fountain pen features a standout three-dimensional design, making it seem as if the pen is coming to life. It is decorated with three-dimensional shell ginger leaves and pale pink flowers on a transparent (demonstrator) body that has been previously coated with Tamesukashi Urushi.

The combination of a Tamesukashi coating and the three-dimensional design heightens the intricacies of an already beautiful pen.

The Significance

The shell ginger (getto) is a plant that is deeply rooted in Okinawan culture and customs. It is perhaps most notable for its purpose on the Okinawan tradition known as "Muchi Day," which occurs on the 8th of December. Okinawan families gather together and pray for the good health and fortune for the coming new year before eating rice cakes wrapped in shell ginger leaves.

The Muchi (which is a variant of the rice dessert Mochi) is eaten to pray for the health of the family, and the scent of shell ginger is said to ward off evil spirits. Thus, the refreshing scent of shell ginger may still be lingering in the year by New Year's Eve. 

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The Ryukyu Tsuikin Shell Ginger fountain pen represents not only the traditional arts of Okinawa, but the rich cultures and traditions that continue to thrive to this day.