Platinum Izumo Iro Urushi Budou Nezu Fountain pen

Platinum Pen introduces “Iro Urushi,” a Wajima Urushi (lacquer) fountain pen, from its Izumo brand series that embodies traditional Japanese techniques.

The Platinum Izumo Iro Urushi features a uniquely stamped 18k gold nib. This fountain pen is set in a wooden gift box with a 30ml glass bottle of Platinum Blue-Black ink, a Platinum Blue-Black ink cartridge, a Platinum converter, and a special pen pouch.

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 Platinum 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 Platinum Izumo series to allow users to fully enjoy the exquisite color of the body. Indulge in the best of traditional Japanese craftsmanship of Platinum Izumo Iro Urushi, which brings together a time-honored craft with a modern vibe.

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 origin of the name "Izumo"

Japan has its pride in its four distinct seasons. All with an intent to live in harmony with nature while creating and developing a rich culture with the beliefs in the presences of gods in nature. Since the dawn of time, it has been believed that the gods reside in all things and that there is a common ground where the gods throughout Japan gather together once a year. This is "Izumo", a great influence over the structure of Japan and the heart of its people, thus contributing to the prosperity of the city.

The word "Izumo", which expresses the many-layered cloud formations rising vigorously to the sky, had been handed down to the present day. "Izumo" also expresses the idea of progress and creation.

Based on such an idea, Platinum Pen created a highly original luxury writing instruments brand named "Izumo" with the best intent of expressing the wonderful Japanese traditional art and the quality material, to be passed on to the future generation. The company founder Shunichi Nakata was born in Izumo city, the city in Shimane prefecture in Japan where "IzumoTaisha" Shurine is. The magnificent influence of nature and a mysterious history exist. Derived from such fact, the "Izumo" series was created with the best wishes of obtaining the momentum of clouds rising to the heaven.

The fountain pen has an 18kt gold nib and uses a Platinum converter or Platinum ink cartridges, but with the special Ink Cartridge Adapter it is also possible to use the Standard International ink cartridges.

In 1919, Shunichi Nakata, started his fountain pen business that would later be known as “Platinum Fountain Pen Co.”. The Japanese brand is closely related to the legendary Nakaya fountain pen brand, where some of the finest fountain pens in the world are created. This expertise also goes into Platinum's own line of fine writing instruments.