Explore the Hidehira-nuri collection
Kin-gumo Ballpoint Pen — gold-leaf lacquer with a replaceable Zebra refill
Kin-gumo Ballpoint Pen — gold-leaf lacquer with a replaceable Zebra refill
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Why this pen
This pen brings gold-leaf lacquer into an object meant to be used, not displayed. The tochi-wood barrel warms slightly in the hand as you write, and the kin-gumo clouds catch the light differently with each turn. It suits a desk in daily use as easily as it suits a considered gift for someone who still writes by hand.
The pattern
Kin-gumo is a cloud motif at the heart of Hidehira-nuri, a lacquer tradition from Hiraizumi, Iwate. On this pen, the clouds are built up in lacquer painting and gold leaf together, applied by hand over the lacquered tochi-wood barrel.
The workshop
Marusan Shikki is an Ichinoseki workshop founded in 1904 and now in its fifth generation. The workshop says it keeps every stage of Hidehira-nuri production under one roof, from making the wooden base to the final decoration.
What to know before you buy
As with any urushi lacquerware, this piece is not tableware and needs only dry care. Wipe the surface with a soft, dry cloth, and avoid water and damp cloths, since moisture can work into the wood and loosen the lacquer. Avoid solvents and alcohol-based cleaners too, since they can dissolve the lacquer. Handle it gently, as a hard knock or drop can chip the gold leaf or crack the lacquer underneath. Store away from direct sunlight.
Details
The pen measures 126mm and weighs about 35g. In stock, and ships from Japan via DHL with tracking within about a week. Keep it away from very dry heat, such as near a vent or radiator. It takes a Zebra-brand refill, so replacing the ink is straightforward once the first one runs dry.
If this pen suits your own desk, or someone else's, you can place an order below. Have a question about the refill or the finish? Write to us; we answer every message ourselves.
Specifiche
Specifiche
- Category: Stationery
- Type: Pen
- Material: Tochi (Japanese horse chestnut) wood, urushi lacquer, gold leaf
- Technique: Hidehira-nuri
- Size: 126mm (length)
- Weight: 35g
Heritage & Credentials
Heritage & Credentials
Hidehira-nuri carries a documented history and an official craft designation.
- In 1985, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry designated Hidehira-nuri itself — not any one workshop or product — a Traditional Craft (伝統的工芸品).
- Tradition links its origins to the late Heian period, with accounts describing lacquer artisans from Kyoto working in the Hiraizumi area.
- Rooted in the Hiraizumi area of Iwate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The traditional specification for Hidehira-nuri begins with hon-kataji, a lacquer ground built up in layers with cloth reinforcement before colour is applied.
Cura e avvertenze
Cura e avvertenze
This is handmade Hidehira-nuri lacquerware, not tableware. It only needs dry care.
- Wipe the surface with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid water and damp cloths, since moisture can work into the wood and loosen the lacquer.
- Handle it gently. A hard knock or drop can chip the gold leaf or crack the lacquer underneath.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight, which fades lacquer over time.
- Store in a stable spot away from vents and radiators, to avoid overly dry air.
- The ink refill is a standard Zebra-brand insert, so it's simple to replace when it runs dry.
Informazioni sulla spedizione
Informazioni sulla spedizione
Every piece ships from Japan.
- We ship to the UK and the EU, via DHL, with tracking included.
- This sale is made under DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms. If import duty applies, it's billed directly to Toramonten, not to you.
- Customs authorities may contact the recipient directly, and we can't say in advance which orders this might affect.
- This piece is in stock and ships within about a week of your order.
Il laboratorio
Il laboratorio
