
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
ware 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
〇Wajima Bijou Coral
Gemstone meaning:
Fortune, healing and increased power
in medieval Europe, coral was believed
to be a gemstone of good fortune to
repel evil spirits and protect events
from start to finish. Coral which is a
gemstone from the sea, the source of
life, is also thought to have healing
powers, and is said to increase life force
and invigorate physical and mental energy.
〇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
Wajima Bijou
Nib:21K, large, bi-color finishing
[Section]:Brass/nickel-
[Metal parts]:Nickel-chromium plated (sapphire), Gold IP finish (coral)
[Cap ring inscription] (limited to 300 fountain pens in each color with
serial number engraved)
[Size] Body size: φ18×129mm Body weight: 30.6g
[Mechanism] Cartridge / converter dual-purpose type
2 blue-black ink cartridges / Manual / warranty
[Price] 150,000 yen (tax excluded)