King of Pens Tame-sukashi Mono No Aware Fountain pen by Sailor

Description

King of Pens Tame-sukashi Mono No Aware Fountain pen by Sailor – Limited edition of 100 worldwide, available only in Europe!

For its brand new limited edition, available only in Europe, Sailor has used the traditional Tame-sukashi lacquer technique. This involves using multiple layers of lacquer to create an impression of transparency, giving the design visual depth as well as shading.

The process begins with the application of a base coat of Tame-nuri, followed by a superimposition of transparent lacquers, each layer drying for several days. It is this layering that creates the depth and clarity that are so characteristic. To gradually bring out the motif, the master lacquerer scratches certain parts of the lacquer or inserts materials. In this way, the pattern seems to appear and disappear depending on the angle and lighting, offering a unique and captivating visual experience.

The development of the Tame-sukashi technique dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868), a flourishing period for Japanese lacquerware production. Tame-sukashi developed particularly in the regions of Kaga and Kanazawa (now part of Ishikawa prefecture). In these regions, the lords and samurai demanded high quality lacquerware, which led to the evolution of Sukashi, superimposed on the Tame-nuri technique. In the 19th century, Tame-sukashi spread throughout Japan, giving rise to various adaptations and styles.

Ephemeral nature :

Mono no Aware (pronounced “aouaré”) is a Japanese aesthetic and philosophical concept that evokes “the emotion of things” or “sensitivity to impermanence”. It is a gentle, melancholy awareness of the ephemeral nature of life and the beauty that comes from this impermanence. The Mono no Aware concept (Mono means ‘thing’ and no Aware ‘surprise’) invites contemplation and a deep sense of the ephemeral nature of things, finding emotion and beauty in their fragility.

With this traditional Tame-sukashi technique, each layer carefully superimposed and worked evokes those suspended moments when time seems to stand still, leaving room for contemplation.

The artist :

Lacquer artist Natsumi Saito comes from a family of Master lacquerers. She perfected her skills in the traditional Appi lacquer craft and developed a unique technique called “mizukagami”. This method involves layering different types of lacquer to create rich, multi-dimensional hues and a distinctive depth of colour. Since taking part in the Soba Choko Art Exhibition, she has been attracting attention for her series of unique works.

The King of Pens Tame-sukashi Mono No Aware is made of ebonite. Its blue colour (or even blue-green) was chosen in reference to Sailor’s identity and the link with navigation. The layers of urushi reveal depth and transparency, capturing the image of an ever-changing sea. As well as its aesthetic appeal, the lacquer has an incredible ability to resist corrosion and impact. As a result, this type of fountain pen has an exceptional lifespan that can easily be extended over several generations.

Like all KOPs, the threaded section resembles a magnificent rhodium-plated timepiece. It also has two small windows so you can see how much ink is left and when it’s time to refill your fountain pen.

The nib :

Sailor has equipped its model with a magnificent rhodium-plated 21-carat gold nib that is superbly engraved. Majestic, it measures 26 mm in length. We offer it in M and B sizes, as well as the NMF, Naginata Togi MF nib. To find out more about this Naginata Togi nib, take a look at our dedicated video.

You will receive your King of Pens Tame-sukashi Mono No Aware fountain pen by Sailor in a splendid box made with wood fiber and resin and covered in a black cashew-based lacquer. It will be accompanied by its converter, a cartridge, a silk kimono case with a smoked bamboo clasp and a cloth to help you look after the fountain pen.

Features :

1. Fountain pen:

• base material: ebonite
• finish: urushi lacquer
• colours: black and blue (or even blue-green)
• attribute material: rhodium-plated
• attribute colour: silver
• cap type: screw-on
• interchangeable cap: yes (although we do not recommend this)
• length, closed: 154 mm
• length, without cap: 131 mm
• length, cap swapped: 168 mm
• body diameter: 15 mm
• weight, with cap: 34 g
• weight, without cap: 23 g

2. Nib:

• material: 21 carat gold
• colour: silver
• sizes available : naginata togi medium-fine, medium, broad

3. Filling:

• filling mechanism: converter, cartridge
• compatible inks: bottle, Sailor cartridge
• included: converter, cartridge

4. Includes:

• cloth case
• a cloth

5. Warranty: 2 years

Click if you would like to purchase ink for your KOP.

If the King of Pens Tame-sukashi Mono No Aware fountain pen by Sailor is not in stock, it will not be restocked as it is a limited edition.