Ichinoseyaki Pen Tray

*The product does not come with a pen

Rest your treasured pen on a handcrafted pen tray

The History of Ichinose

The history of Ichinose ceramics originates during the reign of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the most respected and feared rulers of Japan. In the 400 years since its storied beginnings, their unique crafting process has continued to thrive and evolve within the heart of Fukuoka Prefecture. With each generation, the Ichinose craftsmen discover and pioneer new innovations for their artistry in the hopes that awareness for their craft will spread across the world.

Crafted by Flame

With temperatures that can reach over 1,300 degrees Celcius, the kiln is no ordinary oven. While there is no doubt that it is effective in drying and hardening clay pottery, the difference between a novice and a master lies in the control of the kiln's flames. An example of this can be clearly seen in an Ichinose ceramic master choosing a specific type of firewood for the kiln, as even the type of wood will affect the burning pattern during the final stages. Additionally, the ceramic master will take into account the degree of humidity, and will purposely raise it or increase it through their own specific methods, because the shape of the fire itself will change as it wraps around the pen tray. 

After the pen tray has been hardened within the flames of the kiln, the craftsman will then retrieve the tray, and directly apply an open-flame to the tray to further enhance its ethereal beauty. Depending on the artisan's preference, they may even mold it into an entirely new shape, or simply apply the open flame onto specific areas to create unique patterns across the pen tray. As a result of this, each pen tray is completely unique from one another. They may each have the same general design or shape, yet there will be distinct differences which makes the pen tray one-of-a-kind. 

In Japanese culture, the making of Matcha is an artform in and of itself, and the utensils used in the making of Matcha are individually valuable in their own right. Whether it's a whisk, a tea strainer, or a humble cloth, each item has an important role to play in this process. From these utensils, we were particularly inspired by the Matcha Tea Bowl to introduce the Ichinoseyaki Pen Tray. 

As with Urushi and nib craftsmanship, there is a delicate artistry to be found in ceramics - one which is hidden within the heart of Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Just like a Matcha Tea Bowl, the Ichinoseyaki Pen Tray is handcrafted using a kiln, which is a type of oven, that allows craftsmen in Ukiha city, Fukuoka, to solidify their sculptures and trays into their fully realized forms. If a whisk (茶筅) is an essential utensil in any matcha artist's arsenal, then a pen tray is similarly an essential complementary piece that highlights not only the beauty of one's pen, but the sentimental and literal value of one's treasured writing instrument. 

The Japanese art of tea ceremony (茶道) is predicated on the appreciation of harmony, balance, and patience. As fountain pen enthusiasts, we view the art of writing to be a similarly peaceful and even uplifting experience that anyone can enjoy. A pen tray may not be the first accessory or even the second accessory that comes to mind when one is looking for partners for their collection, yet it can be the very piece that elevates your grail pen above all the others. 

Specifications

*This is a handmade product, which means that each pen tray is unique from one another, and may be slightly different from the specifications written below.

Material: Ceramic

Length: 180

Width: 80 

Weight: 308 grams