Kyoto Urushi Kasane-Iro
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The History of Kasane-iro
During the peaceful Heian Period (794-1185 AD), Japanese culture and society flourished, allowing literature, cuisine, and even fashion to explore interesting new ideas. One of the most significant and enduring concepts from this time was the Kasane no Irome ( かさねの色目 ), which related to the layering of robes in a kimono to produce multi-colored patterns or unique gradients that cannot be achieved through the dyeing techniques of that time.
Although it started as a mere fashion trend, it had a lasting impact on the meaning of colors and their role in the Japanese language, but how could that be? A kimono following Kasane no Irome would typically have an Uwagi (the over or outer-robe), the Hitoe (the under-robe), typically followed by five layers of varying shades or colors, although some of the more complex designs utilize up to eight different robes.
Each layer of color would have a specific meaning that would correspond to both the event (for example, the summer festival), or it would relate to the wearer's status and even mood of that day. Combining these colors would then create an even greater meaning, making the kimono multi-layered in both a literal and figurative sense. Today, the kimono is no longer commonplace, yet the meaning of these colors, and the colors themselves still retain their meaning and significance, even if we are not aware of it.
Unohana (Green)
Grass. Trees. Earth. The color green represents life, and the Kyoto Urushi - Unohana is no exception. The light green color is pure in its fullness of color, and its name refers to the deutzia flowers, which is notable for its unique star shape.
Yukinoshita (Pink)
With a name that literally translates to 'Under the Snow', the light pink color is meant to represent the life and color that can be found even in the coldest of winters. Crafted over the course of several months, this fountain pen requires several coatings of different shades of pink and red Urushi to accomplish this final pink hue.This soft shade of pink was created to represent the calm and tranquility of Kyoto during the Heian Period.
Ume (Red or Dark Red)
Whether it's referring to the blossoming petals of a tree, or the flavorful topping of a Japanese cocktail, the 'Ume' or Plum satisfies many roles in Japan.
The Kyoto Urushi - Ume is, of course, inspired by the dark red fruits that create complicated flavor profiles of sweetness and sourness all in one. Like our other Urushi fountain pens, the Ume's beauty goes beyond what we merely see, and it extends to how it feels in our hand, and our enjoyment of the art of writing.
Hanasusuki (Blue/Purple)
As a direct result of Kasane no Irome, dozens - if not hundreds - of new words were invented to describe different shades of each color down to the most minute detail. This is the reason why the Hanasusuki with its unique shade of purple and blue mixed together doesn't have a singular, one-word equivalent or translation into English. Instead of hyperanalyzing the exact shade, though, we encourage everyone to simply appreciate this beautiful pen as it is, and enjoy the writing experience made possible with our iconic Dream Pen shape.
Tsutsuji Hitoe (Reverse Chrystanthemum)
Taken apart, the Yukinoshita, the Hanasusuki, the Unohana, and Ume Fountain Pens are classically beautiful works of art. However, when you combine these four colors, you achieve one of the most notable kimono patterns of Kasane no Iro - the Tsutsuji Hitoe (Reverse Chrystanthemum). This pattern was typically worn near the end of spring into the middle of summer, and it is meant to represent happiness with one's life, and a joyful yet discrete disposition. Instead of considering each pen as unrelated artworks within the same collection, we should instead consider them as a single layer in one kimono, and ask ourselves: What do these pens mean to us? When combined, the four colors of the new Kasane-iro collection transcend mere trends, and become truly timeless.
**Note:
The brighter coloring of the Unohana and Yukinoshita is a more complex crafting process, as Urushi (Japanese lacquer) favors darker coloring. To achieve a lighter shade of color, the craftsman has to concoct their own mixture of Urushi with other substances.
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Kyoto Urushi Kasane-iro - Unohana
Regular price $650.00 USDRegular priceUnit price per -
Kyoto Urushi Kasane-iro - Ume
Regular price $600.00 USDRegular priceUnit price per -
Kyoto Urushi Kasane-iro - Hanasusuki
Regular price $600.00 USDRegular priceUnit price per -
Kyoto Urushi Kasane-iro - Yukinoshita
Regular price $650.00 USDRegular priceUnit price per
