Kyoto Urushi Kasane-iro - Yukinoshita

Kyoto Urushi - Kasane no Irome

During the peaceful Heian Period (794-1185 AD), Japanese culture and society flourished, allowing literature, cuisine, and even fashion to explore interesting new ideas. One of the most significant and enduring concepts from this time was the Kasane no Irome ( かさねの色目 ), which related to the layering of robes in a kimono to produce multi-colored patterns or unique gradients that cannot be achieved through the dyeing techniques of that time. 

A kimono following Kasane no Irome would typically have an Uwagi (the over or outer-robe), the Hitoe (the under-robe), typically followed by five layers of varying shades or colors, although some of the more complex designs utilize up to eight different robes. Each layer of color would have a specific meaning that would correspond to both the event (for example, the summer festival), or it would relate to the wearer's status and even mood of that day. Combining these colors would then create an even greater meaning, making the kimono multi-layered in both a literal and figurative sense. 

Today, the kimono is no longer commonplace, yet the meaning of these colors, and the colors themselves still retain their meaning and significance, even if we are not aware of it. 

The Yukinoshita

With a name that literally translates to 'Under the Snow', the light pink color is meant to represent the life and color that can be found even in the coldest of winters. Crafted over the course of several months, this fountain pen requires several coatings of different shades of pink and red Urushi to accomplish this final pink hue.

This soft shade of pink was created to represent the calm and tranquility of Kyoto during the Heian Period.

Specifications

Material & art: Ebonite, Titanium Trim, Urushi

Filling mechanism: Converter or Cartridge (European International Standard)

Nib: #6 Jowo stainless steel, Wancher 18K Gold, Keiryu, Keiryu Kodachi

Feed: Plastic, ebonite black, ebonite red (ebonite feeds are only compatible with Jowo nibs)

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

Size & Shape

Packaging

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