Dream Pen Tsugaru

Tsugaru Urushi

A distinctive traditional Urushi technique that embraces the Japanese Wabi-sabi aesthetics.

Tsugaru Urushi refers to lacquerware made in Tsugaru - a city located in Aomori Prefecture, Japan. Being known as one of the most skill-intensive Urushi techniques, Tsugaru-nuri is sophisticated yet stunningly beautiful with its unusual finish. Dream Pen Tsugaru is made in three traditional styles of Tsugaru Urushi including Kara-nuri, Kaisaishiki-nuri (Raden Kara-nuri) and Nanako-nuri.

Kara-nuri is the most popular Tsugaru-nuri style that illustrates distinctive speckled patterns created by four to six different Urushi color lacquers. Kara-nuri is a process of repeating steps including Urushi coating, grinding, and polishing.

After the first base color is painted, other Urushi colors will be coated to cover the base color. This surface is left to dry and then ground until the base color is revealed.

Kaisaishiki-nuri is a combination of Raden and Kara-nuri techniques. While Kara-nuri creates the pattern of Shiro-age or Midori-age, Raden technique involves inlaying pearl shells onto the surface of the pen. Therefore, this style results in a truly unique finish where the sophisticated beauty of Raden and Kara-nuri art is elegantly presented.

Nanako-nuri is a style that involves 研ぎ出し - Togidashi (burnished-raised) technique and has a design pattern created by using rape blossom seeds. After Urushi lacquer is coated, the flower seeds are scattered on the surface while it is still wet. Once the lacquer dries, the seed will be removed, and polishing steps then take place to reveal the Nanako circular design.  

The whole process of crafting Tsugaru Urushi art on your Dream Pen is completely handmade.

*Regarding the name of the designs: "Shiro" means "white", "Midori" means "green", and "age" means "raised", this refers to the base color that is finally revealed after the grinding process is done. 

On the other note, the term “Nanako” is believed to come from the Japanese word “Nanako” or fish eggs which resemble the small circles on this design.

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Tsugaru Urushi – Kobai-iro & Anzu-iro

Tsugaru Urushi is a fine example of Tsugaru-nuri, a traditional craft from Aomori Prefecture. This technique involves applying multiple layers of urushi lacquer and polishing them down to reveal rich, complex textures and deep, nuanced colors.Among the many expressions of this artistry, Kobai-iro and Anzu-iro stand out for their ability to capture the essence of Japan’s natural beauty and seasonal transitions.

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Kobai-iro

Cherished since the Heian period, Kobai-iro—or “red plum color”—has long been regarded as a symbol of good fortune and refinement.This gentle pink tone, accented by the speckled patterns unique to Tsugaru-nuri, conveys a sense of grace and subtle elegance.Layer upon layer of urushi is meticulously applied and polished to achieve a depth of color that cannot be replicated with ordinary paints—resulting in a finish that is both delicate and profound.

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Anzu-iro

Much like the ripening of an apricot, Anzu-iro expresses a shifting palette—from soft cream to warm, reddish orange.Its calm and elegant base tone is brought to life by the vibrant hues revealed through the togidashi kawari-nuri (polished decorative layering) technique.This intricate process gives the piece a gentle dynamism, evoking the natural transitions of the seasons with graceful beauty.