{"product_id":"ishime-nuri-asama-kokuyougan","title":"Ishime-nuri Asama - Kokuyougan","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNotice:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIshime-nuri - Urushi Technique\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIshime-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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaster 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0003\/8371\/3324\/files\/nagaya-making-ishime-3.jpg?v=1788310907\" alt=\"nagaya-making-ishime-3.jpg__PID:61556dd4-df0d-4efb-b7a8-07baee3cb4b3\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis technique requires precise control of the Urushi, Kanshitsu powder, and polishing process. The high viscosity of Urushi can cause the powder to clump, making a consistent texture difficult to achieve across the entire pen. Master Nagaya carefully hand-polishes each piece, constantly checking the surface to avoid over- or under-polishing. Humidity must also be closely controlled throughout the process, as it affects the curing of the Urushi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Design (Kokuyougan \/ Black Rock)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKokuyougan embodies the quiet aftermath of volcanic activity. Its smooth black Ishime-nuri surface evokes dark basalt shaped and softened in appearance by time and the elements. This captures the darkness and permanence left behind once molten lava has cooled and hardened. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe subdued, tactile finish reflects the raw character of the earth while the refined form of the fountain pen represents the transformation of that natural force into something purposeful and enduring. Although the pure black pen may seem stealthy from afar, having it in the palm of your hand reveals the complexity - both visually and physically - of its creation. Kokuyougan is a study in contrast: the immense power of the volcano expressed through the understated elegance of Japanese craftsmanship. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInspiration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJapan 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat 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.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIshime-nuri \u0026amp; Byakudan Combined\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach pen takes at least 3–6 months to complete, with only a limited number produced in each batch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Artisan: Nagaya Momoko\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBorn 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen 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. \u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterial \u0026amp; art: Ebonite, Ishime-nuri, Byakudan-nuri (Made in Japan)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFilling mechanism: Converter or Cartridge (European International Standard)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNib: 18K Shogun Nib (#6 size)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed: Plastic\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompact air-tight cap: Prevents ink drying issue\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0003\/8371\/3324\/files\/compact_air_tight_cap_large.png?v=1519386760\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePackaging\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditional Japanese Wooden Box + Pen Kimono + Instructional Materials + Converter + Cartridge\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wancherpen","offers":[{"title":"Solid Gold \/ Extra Fine","offer_id":49670303023319,"sku":"WF-UR-DR-ASA-KOKU-18K-EF","price":950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Solid Gold \/ Fine","offer_id":49670303056087,"sku":"WF-UR-DR-ASA-KOKU-18K-F","price":950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Solid Gold \/ Medium Fine","offer_id":49670303088855,"sku":"WF-UR-DR-ASA-KOKU-18K-MF","price":950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Solid Gold \/ Medium","offer_id":49670303121623,"sku":"WF-UR-DR-ASA-KOKU-18K-M","price":950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Solid Gold \/ Broad","offer_id":49670303154391,"sku":"WF-UR-DR-ASA-KOKU-18K-B","price":950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Solid Gold \/ Kodachi F + $100","offer_id":49670303187159,"sku":"WF-UR-DR-ASA-KOKU-18K-NF","price":1050.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Solid Gold \/ Kodachi M + $100","offer_id":49670303219927,"sku":"WF-UR-DR-ASA-KOKU-18K-NM","price":1050.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Solid Gold \/ Kodachi B + $100","offer_id":49670303252695,"sku":"WF-UR-DR-ASA-KOKU-18K-NB","price":1050.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rhodium-plated \/ Extra Fine","offer_id":49670303285463,"sku":"WF-UR-DR-ASA-KOKU-18R-EF","price":950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rhodium-plated \/ Fine","offer_id":49670303318231,"sku":"WF-UR-DR-ASA-KOKU-18R-F","price":950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rhodium-plated \/ Medium Fine","offer_id":49670303350999,"sku":"WF-UR-DR-ASA-KOKU-18R-MF","price":950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rhodium-plated \/ Medium","offer_id":49670303383767,"sku":"WF-UR-DR-ASA-KOKU-18R-M","price":950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rhodium-plated \/ Broad","offer_id":49670303416535,"sku":"WF-UR-DR-ASA-KOKU-18R-B","price":950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rhodium-plated \/ Kodachi F + $100","offer_id":49670303449303,"sku":"WF-UR-DR-ASA-KOKU-18R-NF","price":1050.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rhodium-plated \/ Kodachi M + $100","offer_id":49670303482071,"sku":"WF-UR-DR-ASA-KOKU-18R-NM","price":1050.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Rhodium-plated \/ Kodachi B + $100","offer_id":49670303514839,"sku":"WF-UR-DR-ASA-KOKU-18R-NB","price":1050.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0003\/8371\/3324\/files\/mainpicishimekokuyougan.jpg?v=1788339746","url":"https:\/\/www.wancherpen.com\/products\/ishime-nuri-asama-kokuyougan","provider":"Wancherpen International","version":"1.0","type":"link"}