Tsugaru Urushi - Kobai-iro

What is Kobai-iro?

In Japanese culture, the name of the color is almost as important as the color itself. What this means is that there are often many different names for the same color, but the name choice will ultimately indicate a greater significance. This is true for the Tsugaru Kobai-iro, which translates literally to 'red plum colored.' This name and color originates from Japan's Heian Period, which was notable for its rich cultural advancements in art, literature, and fashion. 

The name itself was created to describe the different layers of a kimono, and how each layer would have a slightly different shade of red. This inspired us to create the Tsugaru Kobai-iro pen, which is possible only because the brilliant artisans of Aomori prefecture have mastered the art of layering different colors of Urushi to create something wholly different. 

The Art of Tsugaru Urushi

Dream Pen Kobai-iro is handcrafted by our Tsugaru Urushi artisans from Aomori, Japan. With Kara-nuri technique, different shades of color are beautifully expressed through the coating and polishing process. This process is repeated over a period of six to eight months and the final result is a complex yet beautiful lacquer fountain pen. 

As you continue to use it, the color will evolve, becoming an altogether more unique fountain pen than the day you first received it. 

Specifications

Material: Ebonite, Urushi

Art: Tsugaru Urushi

Filling mechanism: Converter or Cartridge (European International Standard)

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

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

Compact air-tight cap: Prevents the ink drying issue

Size & Shape

Packaging

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