[SAILOR] Wajima Bijou Sapphire

A new Wajima lacquerware Maki-e masterpiece

Japan has wonderful traditional crafts all over the country.

Among these, the technique of applying urushi lacquer on lacquerware is found throughout Japan. We will take a look at Wajima lacquerware in this installment.

Wajima lacquerware is produced in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, and its history is said to date back to the Heian period (794-1192).

One of the techniques of Wajima lacquerware is the uwanuri technique using the highest quality lacquer, with chinkin gold-inlaid lacquerware and maki-e gold lacquer techniques used for decorations.

The uwanuri technique and maki-e gold lacquer technique were used to create this fountain pen which expresses the beauty of gemstones. This is the Wajima Bijou.

The border, cap top, and barrel end of the main body are finished with lacquer and mother-of-pearl in colors reminiscent of gemstones. Each gemstone has its own meaning, and this fountain pen has the power of the gemstones meaning embedded in it.

Bijou means gemstone in French. This fountain pen, born from the careful work of Wajima Maki-e lacquerware craftsman, is itself a coveted piece of art deserving of the name Bijou.

[Wajima Bijou Sapphire]

Gemstone meaning: Virtuous, sublime, benevolence

Sapphire's deep and beautiful blue color is said to have effects on the eyes that see the truth, and it was even used to treat eye diseases in ancient Greece and medieval times.
For this reason, sapphires are said to have the power to see the truth, so the gemstone meaning of virtuous was designated as an indication of remaining pure. It has also been said that its blue color is full of benevolence and has a calming effect on the user.

[Wajima lacquerware Maki-e craftsman]

Takuya Hino

1962: Born in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture
1980: Studied under the traditional craftsman Kason Muraki
1988: Established Hino Maki-e Kobo
Adhering to the ancient traditional maki-e techniques
Continued devotion to the craft to the present

[Product Details]

Nib: 21K Large size, bi-color finishing
Filling Mechanism: Converter/Cartridge
Section: Brass/nickel-chromium plated
Trim: Nickel-chromium plated
Cap ring inscription: Limited to 300 fountain pens in each color with serial number engraved
Size: φ18×129mm
Weight: 30.6g
Accessories: Black ink cartridges x2 / Ink converter / Manual / Warranty