Dream Pen Ryukyu Tsuikin Shell Ginger

Note: 
There may be some minor marks on each pen, however, please do not mistake this for a defect. It is the handcrafted nature of Urushi application that gives each product a sense of uniqueness and originality. It is important to note that because Urushi is a natural material derived from trees, humidity and temperature have a great deal of effect on the finished product. Please contact us beforehand if you have any questions.

Shell Ginger

Imagine dusk in Okinawa when the sky has a dark orange tint and the ocean's reflection has remnants of the sunset.The sky and sea become one, creating a landscape that is almost like a painting. The shell ginger leaves shine through the dying light, creating a green silhouette, and their shadows cast unique patterns on the ground. As the sea breeze flows through the island, the shell ginger leaves and flowers sway gracefully from one direction to the other. 

This was the inspiration of the master craftsmen of Okinawa's Ryukyu Urushi Kogei studio. 

The amber color of the Tamesukashi base mimics the color of dusk, and acts as a powerful point of contrast for the brighter shades of pink and green of the Shell Ginger design. As with the Tsuikin Twin Dragons and Tsuikin Hibiscus, this fountain pen features a standout three-dimensional design, making it seem as if the pen is coming to life. It is decorated with three-dimensional shell ginger leaves and pale pink flowers on a transparent (demonstrator) body that has been previously coated with Tamesukashi Urushi. The combination of a Tamesukashi coating and the three-dimensional design heightens the intricacies of an already beautiful pen. 

A brief history of Okinawa

The Ryukyu Islands first appeared in the ancient Chinese history book entitled "Sui Shu” around 607. After almost one and a half decades of going through the Chinese tributary system, two dynasties, and the Satsuma invasion, Ryukyu Kingdom was demolished by Meiji Government in 1879, and Okinawa prefecture was born. Yet again, when the Pacific War ended in 1945, Okinawa was once again parted from Japan as the U.S limitary remained under their governance for the following 27 years. On May 15, 1972, Okinawa was officially returned to Japan, marking a new milestone in both Okinawa and Japan's history.

The origin of Ryukyu Tsuikin art

Despite the complicated history, the culture and traditional crafts, especially lacquering, fortunately, have flourished, preserved, and continued until today. Old documents record that Okinawan lacquerware appeared as soon as 1427, with a purchase record from Emperor Xuanzong of the Ming Dynasty. After the establishment of the First Ryukyu Dynasty (1429), the Kaizuri Bugyosho (a magistrate's office for lacquerware production) was founded.

In Okinawa, where politics and culture are deeply connected, lacquerware and lacquer ornaments were indispensable for ceremonies and rituals, not only for royalties and warrior families but also for local communities. Especially, after the invasion by the Satsuma Domain, the need of lacquerware increases as they need to tribute to both the Tokugawa shogunate and Chinese emperors. Therefore, the Ryukyu Kingdom put the Kaizuri Bugyosho under its direct control to strengthen lacquerware production.

During this period - the highest peak of Ryukyu lacquer, Ryukyu governors even sent craftsmen to China several times and brought in various lacquering techniques. One of those craftsmen - Higa Josho has developed the Okinawan-own technique - Tsuikin.

How Tsuikin art was made

“Tsuikin" involves many processes and requires a high level of skill. First, pigments are kneaded into lacquer to make "Tsuikin-mochi," which is shaped like a rice cake. Next, the Tsuikin-mochi is rolled out thinly on a board using a roller to cut out a pattern to be pasted on a vessel. In addition, fine lines are chiseled on the pasted pattern, which is then colored last. Highly adhesive, the finish can last for a long time.

Specifications

Material & art: ABS, Tamesukashi (Aizu Urushi), Tsuikin Urushi

Filling mechanism: Converter or Cartridge (European International Standard)

Nib: #6 Jowo stainless steel, Wancher 18K gold

Feed: Plastic, ebonite black, ebonite red

Compact air-tight cap: Prevent dried-out ink problem

Size & Shape

Packaging

Traditional Japanese Wooden Box + Pen Kimono + Instructional Materials + Certificate + Converter + Cartridge