Platinum Pen will introduce “IRO URUSHI,” a Wajima Urushi (lacquer) fountain pen, from its IZUMO brand series that embodies traditional Japanese techniques.

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.

This pen nib has an exquisite, delicate feel and a responsive touch, ensuring beautiful handwriting regardless of the pressure applied while writing. After
nearly a century of experience producing high-end writing instruments, we created the nib designed with a slightly harder and moderate resistance, this nib is suited to heavy-handed writers, as well as those with a delicate touch.

During the Edo Period, subdued colors became popular as they were considered “iki,” which is a Japanese aesthetic concept that can be defined roughly as chic or stylish. The unobtrusive greenish blue color is produced by applying a dark red iron color over dark blue indigo. Brown and gray colors were popular in the Edo Period, but indigo was also widely appreciated as a typical Edo color. Hence, Aitetsu Iro color that combines both indigo and iron color was particularly preferred for its unique unobtrusive beauty.

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”.