Sailor 1911 King of Pens Iro-Miyabi Usukou GT Fountain pen

Sailor 1911 King of Pens Iro-Miyabi Usukou GT Fountain Pen

The Sailor 1911 King of Pens Iro-Miyabi Usukou GT Fountain Pen is an extraordinary celebration of Japanese craftsmanship, traditional lacquer artistry, and the exceptional writing performance for which Sailor has become renowned worldwide. Combining the prestigious King of Pens design with the centuries-old Japanese art of Urushi lacquer, this magnificent fountain pen represents the pinnacle of Sailor's luxury writing instruments. The Iro-Miyabi collection gained international recognition when its exquisite fountain pens were presented to the heads of G7 countries and international organizations during the G7 Hiroshima Summit, held from May 19 to May 21, 2023. Each pen embodies the beauty, sophistication, and cultural heritage of Japan, transforming an everyday writing instrument into a remarkable work of art.

Traditional Japanese Iro-Miyabi Urushi Lacquer Artistry

The Sailor 1911 King of Pens Iro-Miyabi Usukou GT showcases the remarkable beauty of traditional Japanese lacquer craftsmanship. The name "Iro-Miyabi" reflects the elegance and refinement of colored Urushi lacquer, celebrating an artistic tradition that has been perfected over centuries. Its substantial ebonite barrel is meticulously finished using the traditional Ishime-nuri technique, which creates a distinctive stone-like texture across the surface. This intricate process involves applying multiple layers of lacquer, allowing each layer to dry and cure before additional coatings are carefully added. The entire process can take several months, requiring extraordinary patience, precision, and artistic expertise. The resulting finish offers a fascinating combination of texture, depth, and subtle luster, making every Sailor Iro-Miyabi fountain pen a unique expression of Japanese craftsmanship.

Usukou – A Fragrant Inspiration from the Heian Period

The captivating Usukou finish takes its inspiration from traditional Japanese culture and the refined aesthetics of the Heian period (794–1185). Usukou refers to a delicate color associated with fragrant woods and the sophisticated world of classical Japanese aristocracy. During the Heian era, fragrant woods and incense played an important role in courtly life, symbolizing elegance, refinement, and cultural sophistication. The Sailor Iro-Miyabi Usukou captures this historical inspiration through its beautifully textured lacquer surface and understated, warm coloration. Complemented by luxurious gold-plated accents, the finish creates a harmonious balance between traditional Japanese aesthetics and contemporary fountain pen design. The subtle variations of the handcrafted Urushi lacquer give each writing instrument its own individual character, ensuring that no two examples are exactly alike.

Handcrafted by Renowned Japanese Lacquer Artist Isana Kobayashi

The exquisite lacquer finish of the Sailor Iro-Miyabi collection is created by renowned Japanese Urushi artist Isana Kobayashi. Born in Kaga, Ishikawa Prefecture, Kobayashi graduated from the prestigious Ishikawa Prefectural Wajima Urushi Lacquer Art Research Center, where he developed his expertise in traditional Japanese lacquer techniques. He subsequently studied under traditional artist Shunpei Kadode and renowned Maki-e gold lacquer artist Masao Kobayashi. As a representative of the Kobayashi Urushi Lacquer Workshop and a member of the Japan Kōgei Association, he has dedicated his career to preserving and advancing Japanese lacquer artistry. His remarkable craftsmanship has been showcased internationally, including exhibitions and live Maki-e demonstrations in Quebec, Canada, and decorative lacquer exhibitions in New York. In 2007, he was commissioned by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to create a special gift for President Leonel Fernández of the Dominican Republic. His involvement in the Iro-Miyabi collection elevates each fountain pen into a genuine piece of Japanese artistic heritage.

The Legendary Sailor King of Pens 21K Gold Nib

At the heart of the Sailor 1911 King of Pens Iro-Miyabi Usukou GT lies an exceptional oversized 21-karat gold nib, representing the finest writing technology developed by Sailor's master nib craftsmen. Beautifully finished in an elegant two-tone design, this prestigious nib offers a remarkable combination of smoothness, responsiveness, and controlled flexibility. The generous proportions of the King of Pens nib contribute to a wonderfully refined writing experience, allowing the fountain pen to glide effortlessly across the page while maintaining the characteristic precision and feedback appreciated by Sailor enthusiasts. The substantial yet carefully balanced ebonite body provides excellent writing comfort, while the traditional screw-cap mechanism ensures a secure closure. Equipped with a convenient cartridge/converter filling system, the pen can be used with Sailor proprietary ink cartridges or bottled fountain pen ink using a compatible Sailor converter.

Key Features

• Prestigious Sailor 1911 King of Pens Iro-Miyabi Usukou GT fountain pen, handcrafted in Japan.
• Part of Sailor's luxurious Traditional Lacquer Arts Iro-Miyabi collection.
• Celebrates the beauty of traditional Japanese Urushi lacquer craftsmanship and centuries-old artistic techniques.
• Iro-Miyabi fountain pens were presented to world leaders and representatives of international organizations during the 2023 G7 Hiroshima Summit.
• Beautiful Usukou finish inspired by fragrant woods and the refined cultural traditions of Japan's Heian period.
• Traditional Ishime-nuri lacquer technique creates a distinctive stone-like surface texture.
• Multiple layers of handcrafted Urushi lacquer provide exceptional depth, character, and visual richness.
• Substantial ebonite barrel carefully finished by renowned Japanese lacquer artist Isana Kobayashi.
• Handcrafted lacquer finish requiring several months of meticulous work and curing.
• Elegant gold-plated trim complements the warm, sophisticated Usukou lacquer finish.
• Magnificent oversized 21-karat two-tone gold nib for an exceptionally refined writing experience.
• Generously proportioned King of Pens design offering excellent balance and writing comfort.
• Traditional screw-cap mechanism for a secure and elegant closure.
• Cartridge/converter filling system compatible with Sailor proprietary ink cartridges and converters.
• Regular collection model showcasing the finest traditions of Japanese luxury fountain pen craftsmanship.
• An exceptional collector's piece and a distinguished luxury gift for lovers of Japanese artistry and fine writing instruments.

Specifications

• Brand: Sailor
• Collection: 1911 King of Pens Iro-Miyabi
• Model: Usukou GT
• Edition: Regular Collection
• Writing System: Fountain Pen
• Country of Manufacture: Japan
• Barrel Material: Ebonite
• Finish: Traditional Japanese Urushi Lacquer
• Lacquer Technique: Ishime-nuri (Stone-Textured Lacquer)
• Color: Usukou
• Trim: Gold-Plated Metal (GT)
• Nib: Oversized 21-Karat Two-Tone Gold
• Lacquer Artist: Isana Kobayashi
• Filling System: Cartridge/Converter
• Compatible Ink Cartridges: Sailor Proprietary Ink Cartridges
• Converter Compatibility: Sailor Proprietary Converter
• Length (Capped): 153.5 mm
• Length (Uncapped): 131 mm
• Diameter: 20 mm
• Weight: 32 g
• Cap Mechanism: Screw Cap

Sailor 1911 King of Pens Iro-Miyabi Usukou GT – The Ultimate Expression of Japanese Lacquer Art and Luxury Writing

The Sailor 1911 King of Pens Iro-Miyabi Usukou GT Fountain Pen is much more than a premium writing instrument; it is a celebration of Japanese cultural heritage, artistic mastery, and the timeless pleasure of handwriting. Its exquisite Ishime-nuri Urushi lacquer finish, meticulously handcrafted by master lacquer artist Isana Kobayashi, transforms the substantial ebonite body into a captivating work of art. Inspired by the refined traditions of Japan's Heian period, the elegant Usukou coloration combines beautifully with luxurious gold-plated accents and Sailor's legendary oversized 21-karat gold nib. Whether you are an experienced fountain pen collector, an admirer of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, or searching for an extraordinary luxury writing instrument, the Sailor King of Pens Iro-Miyabi Usukou GT offers an unparalleled combination of heritage, elegance, and exceptional writing performance. Discover the extraordinary artistry of Sailor's Traditional Lacquer Arts collection and experience a fountain pen designed to be treasured for generations.

About Sailor

Sailor pens was established in 1911 in Japan, becoming the first to produce fountain pens in their home country. They have subsequently built a first-class reputation in the manufacture of the highest quality nibs, with all parts made in their own factory in Hiroshima. Their flagship collections are the classic 1911 and boldly designed Professional Gear, all available with a 14k or 21k gold nib. The Sailor name comes from founder Kyugoro Sakata's British sailor friend who introduced him to fountain pens.