Sailor Urushi Rei 1st Edition Tsugaru Sabi-Nuri w/Gold IP - Fountain Pen (21Kt Nib)

This pen, made by lacquer artist Hirokazu Shimamori, uses the Tsugaru-nuri urushi lacquer technique to create a unique finish evoking the color and pattern of rust. Tsugaru-nuri, which originated in Aomori prefecture in Japan during the Edo period, involves the application of many layers of urushi lacquer to create intricately patterned surfaces.

Sailor's Rei series showcases traditional urushi lacquer techniques from various regions across Japan. Urushi lacquer is prized for its beautiful finish and also is incredibly durable and naturally antibacterial, leading to its use in art, furniture, dishware, temples, and more since thousands of years ago. The process of creating urushi lacquerware is time-consuming and labor-intensive; it involves the application of dozens of layers of urushi lacquer, each of which must fully dry in a humidity- and temperature-controlled chamber before being polished with charcoal powder and recoated. Consequently, each pen can take months to complete. The result is a smooth, glossy, highly refined finish.

The Rei 1st series features three designs created by lacquer artists Hirokazu Shimamori and Masanora Sumi. The pen caps and barrels are constructed of ebony wood, with grip sections made of PMMA resin. The Rei fountain pens are slightly larger than a Sailor 1911 Large and use the 1911L-size 21k gold nib.