DESIGN

Kokontozai: KASHIYUKA’s Shop of Japanese Arts and Crafts /[FOUNTAIN PEN]

『カーサブルータス』2022年4月号より

April 7, 2022 | Design | KASHIYUKA’s Shop of Japanese Arts and Crafts | photo_Keisuke Fukamizu hair & make-up_Masako Osuga editor_Masae Wako　translation_ Mika Yoshida & David G. Imber

Searching all of Japan for handcrafted items that express its heart and soul, our proprietor, KASHIYUKA, presents things that bring a bit of luxury to everyday life. Her journey this time took her to Tottori prefecture. There she became acquainted with something extremely rare — a fountain pen that is fully bespoke; custom-made according to an assessment of the writer’s handwriting and writing practices.

Founded in 1934, Mannenhitsu HAKASE (approximately, Dr. Fountain Pen) makes bespoke, fully customized fountain pens based upon dialogue with the user. The materials for the body of the pen range from water buffalo horn to precious woods. Selecting one of rosewood, our shopkeeper KASHIYUKA said, “I’m looking forward to the change in color and texture as I continue to use it.”

When I found I had an interest in the warmth and communicative power of the handwritten letter it led me to fountain pen calligraphy. It was then I found out about a studio producing fully custom-made pens, a true rarity, in Tottori prefecture.

Purchase No. 47【Bespoke Fountain Pen】A fully custom-made fountain pen, crafted in accordance with the user’s handwriting.

“The fountain pen was developed in a form similar to the current one in 19th century Europe, and production came to Japan in the 1910s. But demand for them decreased dramatically with the advent of later inventions like the ballpoint pen and email,” says Mr. Ryu Yamamoto, third-generation head of Mannenhitsu HAKASE studio, established in 1934.