on salePlatinum Izumo Iro Urushi Fountain Pen - Budou Nezu

Platinum Pen introduces “Iro Urushi,” a Wajima Urushi (lacquer) fountain pen, from its Izumo brand series that embodies traditional Japanese techniques.

The Izumo Iro Urushi features a uniquely stamped 18k gold nib. This fountain pen is set in a wooden gift box with a 30ml glass bottle of Platinum Blue-Black ink, a Platinum Blue-Black ink cartridge, a Platinum converter, and a special pen pouch.

Designed based on the concept of enjoying the refined luster and colors of urushi lacquer, the Iro Urushi model has a sturdy body unique to Izumo fountain pens, which is applied with “iro urushi,” or “color lacquer,” created using pigments with a Japanese elegance and touch. The gentle luster and smooth texture unique to urushi lacquer is created by polishing the lacquer evenly after applying so that no brush marks are visible, which can only be achieved by skilled craftsmanship. Meanwhile, the nib, clip and other metal parts have been applied with a colorless rhodium finish for the first time for the Izumo series to allow users to fully enjoy the exquisite color of the body. Indulge in the best of traditional Japanese craftsmanship of Izumo Iro Urushi, which brings together a time-honored craft with a modern vibe.

The dull reddish-purple color produced by adding a grayish tone over wine red color (budou) enjoyed popularity from the mid-Edo to early Showa Period. The gray color (nezumi) gives a calm and elegant aura, which became known as “aristocratic gray” for its delicate hue. It was often used as the base color of a kimono depicted in Ukiyo-e (woodblock) prints and appreciated by many. The wine red color was also called “ebi” in ancient times, so the color is also known as “ebi-nezu."

The origin of the name "Izumo"

Japan has its pride in its four distinct seasons. All with an intent to live in harmony with nature while creating and developing a rich culture with the beliefs in the presences of gods in nature. Since the dawn of time, it has been believed that the gods reside in all things and that there is a common ground where the gods throughout Japan gather together once a year. This is "Izumo", a great influence over the structure of Japan and the heart of its people, thus contributing to the prosperity of the city.

The word "Izumo", which expresses the many-layered cloud formations rising vigorously to the sky, had been handed down to the present day. "Izumo" also expresses the idea of progress and creation.

Based on such an idea, Platinum Pen created a highly original luxury writing instruments brand named "Izumo" with the best intent of expressing the wonderful Japanese traditional art and the quality material, to be passed on to the future generation. The company founder Shunichi Nakata was born in Izumo city, the city in Shimane prefecture in Japan where "IzumoTaisha" Shurine is. The magnificent influence of nature and a mysterious history exist. Derived from such fact, the "Izumo" series was created with the best wishes of obtaining the momentum of clouds rising to the heaven.

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