1.  Kuretake Monogatari

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. 

3. Limited Edition Brush - Felt Pen

This new limited edition pen made in collaboration with Kuretake features iconic imagery from Japan's rich culture from the silhouette of Mt. Fuji at sunset to the cherry blossoms using the traditional craft of Maki-e onto the pen's golden body. Just as a samurai would be lost without his blade, this pen needed a tip to match its elegance and uniqueness, which is why it comes with both a Brush tip and a Felt Tip.

By providing two different tips for one pen, the limitations of your artistry can finally be unlocked, and you will be able to write and draw in every possible way you desire.

Calligraphy

While the appearance of the pen is an important factor, the writing experience is arguably the most important part to consider. What's it like to write with a brush and felt pen? When writing with a brush pen, you can feel each stroke glide across the paper, making it feel as if you are simultaneously writing and painting. Although this means that a greater amount of control is needed as opposed to when writing with a ballpoint pen, the brush pen's flexibility and consistent flow of ink makes it worth it all.

In case you are in the mood to simply write without worrying about control, however, we decided to include the harder, Felt tip, which has a similar writing experience as the softer Brush tip, yet its harder form means less control and thought is needed when writing.

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.

**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 Kindai Maki-e designs were created to bring the authentic feel of Maki-e closer to those who hold them.