Transforming Your Writing Into Art
At Wancher, we believe that the true essence of a pen lies not just in its functionality but in the story it tells and the legacy it carries. Each beautiful pen in your hand represents a journey—a meticulous, many-month process of creation and dedication that spans from the tranquil workshops of Japan to various corners of the globe. This journey is made possible by our skilled artisans, who have devoted their lives to mastering the intricate art of pen making.
The Heart of Wancher: Our Artisans
Our artisans are more than just craftsmen; they are guardians of tradition and innovators of the future. With each stroke of their tools, they breathe life into raw materials, transforming them into exquisite pieces of art that are not only a pleasure to behold but also a delight to use. Their dedication to perfection is evident in every pen that leaves our workshop—a testament to their lifelong commitment to the craft.
Master Tsutomu Taya
Master Taya is the former president (理事長) of Wajima Urushi Association (輪島漆器商工業協同組合) and the former owner of Taya Shikkiten (田谷漆器店) that holds a history of 200 years in making lacquerware products. With 63-year hands-on experience in lacquerware technique, Master Taya is one of the top Masters in Japanese lacquerware creation.
Master Yamanoshita
With many years of experience as a Maki-e artisan, Master Yamanoshita has created precious artwork not only on fountain pens but also many other luxury lacquerware products.
To Master Yamanoshita, every single maki-e product caries it own story and spirits which can bring luck, prosperity and peace.
Master Okagaki Yukie
Master Okagaki Yukie has crafted amazing shippoyaki arts for the Seven Treasures fountain pen.
Growing up in the land of traditional crafts, Master developed a strong passion for arts and designs, and had her life tied to this field by starting her major at Kuwasawa Design School.
Master Toshiaki Hiko
With 36 years of experience in doing coating for Urushi products, Master Hiko enjoys his everyday work with the beautiful Urushi layers. This job requires great attention and patience but it never fails to motivate Master Hiko. He believes that creating a smooth base coating is the first step toward making a perfect lacquerware product.
Master Mitsuo Uwamaki
Master Uwamaki already possessed a 33-year experience in making Urushi lacquer and doing the base coating. Creating a satisfying Urushi lacquer without any flaw is one of the steps that Master Uwamaki spent his whole career to learn and master.
Master Satomi Hira
Master Hira, whose age still remains a secret is one of very few ladies spending her whole day in lacquerware workshop and making Urushi products. Master Hira loves the perfect shape and beauty of the final artwork. Her main role is sharpening and scraping of lacquer products, which requires a lot of detailed attention and significant effort over a long course of time.
Fountain Pens by Wajima Urushi Artisans
Master Yoko Hirota
With a great interest in traditional handmade crafts since elementary school, master Hirota decided to choose this path and developed a strong passion for Japanese Urushi-making traditions.
Master Hirota now has more than 30 years of hands-on experience in making Urushi and Maki-e.
Hirota's artwork focus on the stylish minimalism and durability of the objects. Either it's a pair of chopsticks that serve everyday meals or it's an ornament used in the palace, it must last long and express aesthetics of Japan's art.
Wood Artisan
Master Volans's name was chosen to be displayed in the Art Museum of Taipei by Taiwanese Government. With the love for wood sculpture and fountain pen, Master Volans has spent his whole life researching and trying to make use of wood sculpture for writing. This time, in collaboration with Master Volans, we have been able to create a unique and natural fountain pen collection which brings the feeling of nature into your everyday writing.
Please note that we do not publish information and pictures of artisans per their personal requests.