Ishime-nuri Asama - Kakou

Notice: Each Urushi fountain pen is handcrafted with no two pieces exactly alike, which is a valuable characteristic of hand-crafted art. Therefore, the pen that you received might be slightly different from the prototype pictures, yet, at the same time, it will be a unique artwork of your own.

The Design (Kakou/The Crater)

The Kakou depicts the fiersome beauty of the Japanese Volcano, featuring the black stone-texture Ishime-nuri finish interspersed with amber or dark red sections of Byakudan-nuri that glow as if they were pools of lava inside craters of volcanic rock. The contrast between the dark, hardened earth and the warm, translucent tones of Byakudan-nuri captures the moment when fire begins to become stone. 

The Kakou Fountain Pen is a powerful yet refined reminder that even the most destructive forces of nature eventually become part of the landscape they have shaped. Through Master Nagaya Momoko’s craftsmanship, the raw textures and colors of the volcanic earth are transformed into a refined writing instrument, preserving the spirit of the volcano in a form that can be held and appreciated every day.

Inspiration

Japan is a land where people have long lived alongside the forces of the earth. Volcanoes rise from the land, reminding us of nature’s power while becoming an important part of the local landscape and culture.  In Shimane Prefecture, where Master Nagaya Momoko has helped revive the tradition of Yakumo Urushi Art, the close connection between people and nature inspired her to create this series of three fountain pens.

 Each pen interprets a different stage and expression of volcanic activity, transforming the immense energy of the earth into a refined object designed to be held in the hand. 

The first represents the crater, the dramatic opening through which a volcano reveals the power beneath the earth. The second depicts flowing lava, capturing the movement and intensity of molten rock as it travels across the landscape. The third draws inspiration from cooled volcanic rock, where the once-fiery force of the eruption has become solid, dark, and enduring.

Through Master Nagaya Momoko’s Ishime-nuri craftsmanship, the volcanic landscapes of Shimane are given a new form, preserving the character of fire, movement, stone, and time within each pen.

What was once an immense force of nature is transformed into something intimate: a piece of volcanic inspiration that can be held in the hand and become part of our everyday writing.

Ishime-nuri - Urushi Technique

Ishime-nuri (Stone Lacquer Technique) originated in Niigata Prefecture, and it was originally intended to mimic the texture of stone like those found in Japanese Zen Gardens. Although the pens remain smooth to the touch, there is a light, porous texture to the touch that feels comfortable, especially when in the midst of writing with a pen. 

Master Nagaya achieves this unique look and sensation through the use of dried lacquer powder (Kanshitsu), which she creates by applying Urushi onto a glass plate and letting it dry before she peels it off. Afterwards, Master Nagaya grinds it into a fine powder by using a Yagen  (薬研), which is an ancient version of a mortar-and-pestel, thus transforming Urushi into Kanshitsu. The Kanshitsu is applied onto the ebonite pen before the initial coating of Urushi (Japanese lacquer) has matured, and further polished by hand until Master Nagaya is satisfied with her art. 

The difficulty of this technique lies in the timing and the chemistry. When the Kanshitsu powder comes into contact with the Urushi, it can easily clump, especially due to the naturally high viscosity of the lacquer, and maintaining a consistent texture throughout the entire Dream Pen is a significantly time consuming process. Since it is handpolished, Master Nagaya must constantly check to make sure she has not overpolished or underpolished, and she must continuously check the humidity levels inside her studio.

Although the Ishime-nuri process is one of the most complex techniques in Japanese Urushi Arts, its challenging nature plays a significant role in its beauty. Like the Stone Gardens of Japan's Edo Period, seeing and holding a pen made with Ishime-nuri instills calm and tranquility within. 

Ishime-nuri & Byakudan Combined

Unlike traditional Ishime-nuri, Master Nagaya combines the Ishime-nuri and Byakudan-nuri techniques to create an expression uniquely her own. While much of her work is rooted in the Yakumo Urushi tradition, she continues to explore new possibilities by combining different Urushi techniques to create forms that have never been seen before.

The contrast between Ishime-nuri's matte, stone-like texture and the deep amber glow of Byakudan-nuri creates a striking impression of flowing lava, capturing the movement and energy of molten earth.

Each pen takes at least 3–6 months to complete, with only a limited number produced in each batch.

The Artisan: Nagaya Momoko

Born in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, Nagaya Momoko graduated from the illustrious Kanagawa College of Art before opening her own studio in the city of Izumo. 

With the aim of preserving and developing the local traditional craft of Yakumo-nuri, she works on creating artworks that masterfully meld modern innovations with traditional Yakumo-nuri.

When we learned of Nagaya Momoko’s personal philosophy, it was clear that it aligned with our own commitment to preserving traditional arts, which is why we hope our collaboration will be the beginning of more artworks that can raise awareness of these underrated techniques. 

Specifications

Material & art: Ebonite, Ishime-nuri, Byakudan-nuri (Made in Japan)

Filling mechanism: Converter or Cartridge (European International Standard)

Nib: 18K Shogun Nib (#6 size)

Feed: Plastic

Compact air-tight cap: Prevents ink drying issue

Packaging

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