Wancher x Kuretake Kindai Maki-e Fountain Pen

The Maki-e Monogatari fountain pen features gorgeous traditional Japanese designs and processing techniques.
As the name suggests, each pen has a story to tell.

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1. Wancher x Kuretake

Together with Kuretake, we are determined to bring you the artwork of Kindai Maki-e in 18 designs that represents Japanese symbols, culture, and folklore.

To complete the fine artwork of artisans from Kuretake, we attach the nibs and clip as part of expressing our passion and stories in these fountain pens. With the utmost sincerity, we present you the traditional Japanese design and technology of the Maki-e Monogatari fountain pen for your own use or as a gift for someone else. 

Wancher Original Design - Kingyo

As part of its commitment to extending the appreciation of Japanese traditional design, Kuretake has created a new design for the collection, Goldfish or Kingyo exclusively for Wancher. Together with Kuretake, we are delighted to continuously present you with a unique design that embraces Japanese culture.

With two goldfish on the clear pond, the original design portrays zen art of the tranquility in a Japanese garden. Goldfish are believed in Asian cultures as a lucky symbol, bringing abundance and fortune to those who own them. Its appearance in many eminent classic Japanese artworks and is regarded as a prestigious aquatic creature. Today, goldfish remain featured in many contemporary Japanese arts as a form of aesthetic adoration and a crucial part of the culture.

2. Kuretake - Yumeginga Makie

The Kuretake Yumeginga Maki-e is the second release of our collaboration fountain pen with Kuretake.

This version answers to many fountain pen users who longs for Maki-e design on their fountain pen. The bigger shaft with black and gold main accentuates the small details in the Maki-e design with brilliance. The four models available on this second fountain pen collaboration that has been introduced on the original first release of Kindai Maki-e, each represents the Japanese folklore.

Four models available:

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Edazakura

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Akafuji

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Kakujyuu

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Zuichohouou

3. Kuretake - Monogatari

Shape

The bullet-shaped Maki-e fountain pen, smooth and moderately sized, is compact, will fit comfortably in your hand, and is perfect for daily use. The nib size is available in Fine and Medium, also compatible with Kuretake's fountain pen nibs. 

The Making Process

The pen has a surprisingly thin and light body without compromising its durability. With a jointless body, the charm of Maki-e drawings is fully extended. To make the shape of the body, the craftsmen have to utilize a single brass sheet to forge it downward until it reaches the shape of a pen. To achieve a light but long-lasting pen, such painstaking technique necessitates both delicacy and strength.

The body and cap are made by squeezing the metal during the molding process, which requires arduous labor. As for the body, the beauty of modern Maki-e is reflected in its own story to tell. 

4. Kindai Maki-e and Ukiyo-e Inspiration

Technique Inspiration

Ukiyo-e is a traditional Japanese painting style that is published using silkscreen printing techniques, similar to Kindai Maki-e. Ukiyo-e involves ink-printing through stencils onto media such as woodblock and paper screens. The art of adhering the picture, to the surface is what makes Kindai Maki-e and Ukiyo-e are comparable. In 1860, this Japanese printmaking technique actually influenced the world-renowned impressionist painter, Van Gogh.

Pen Design

The design is inspired in part by the Japanese 17th century painting style known as Rimpa, which has influenced many artwork to date. It incorporates natural elements such as flowers, trees, mountains, and animals, which are also common in Japanese traditional paintings. For the final touch, the design is coated with clear urushi to add extra protection for the gorgeous design.

5. Wancher Fude Shape Nib

It began with our pursuit to develop a nib that could produce beautiful handwriting, even for those who wanted to try adding line variations for each stroke but were struggling to do so. Our special nib, "SHARA-Q," is inspired by the distinguished Ukiyo-e woodblock print artist of the mid-Edo period, Toshusai Sharaku. This master produced many artworks throughout their life, including calligraphy.

The Wancher SHARA-Q nib was developed using Kuretake's current nib. With light pressure, you can create a beautifully flowing and wide line with ease for both drawing and writing. Similar to Sharaku's Ukiyo-e or writing letters, the SHARA-Q nib allows your hand to glide smoothly on the page, creating a beautiful shape.

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When equipped with the Wancher SHARA-Q Nib, this fountain pen is perfect for the art of calligraphy. Designed and crafted by the renowned stationery and calligraphy company, Kuretake, the pen features a unique design that represents the treasures that can be found within Japan. Its slender and relatively small size allows it to fit comfortably in your hand and its lightweight nature makes it convenient to carry anywhere you go. The entire pen is forged out of a single block of aluminum before being refined into its final, smoother form by Japanese craftsmen. This pen is the culmination of the various traditions and cultures that form a rich tapestry of Japanese history.

Enjoy Wancher's SHARA-Q Nib Fountain Pen as a gift to yourself or someone else.

**Please note:
Monogatari fountain pen comes with a friction-fitted iridium point #5 Wancher stainless steel nib. Therefore, please refrain from any attempt to remove or change the nib since it might cause a problem with ink flow.

WANCHER's fountain pens with 18 different Kindai Maki-e designs were created to bring the authentic feel of Maki-e closer to those who hold them.

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Wancher x Kuretake Kindai Maki-e Fountain Pen