ShiZen Ketto Aka Tame-nuri on Ranga M5 Fountain Pen

**We are out of stock on this pen. This product is eligible for pre-order with an estimated production lead time of 5-6 months. Placing an order on this pen will initiate a pre-order. A UrushiPen representative will reach out to you upon placement of order to confirm latest lead times. 50% Deposit/50% at-Shipment payment term option is also available by filling out this Pre-order Form. See Pre-Order Terms and Conditions for details. Contact us today for assistance.**

✓ 100% Genuine Urushi

✓ Contains the Maki-E Red Seal (Highest Quality of Maki-E Art)

✓ Hand-painted by highly-trained Japanese Artisans

Keisuke-san's tame-nuri finish exemplifies extreme depth and profoundness. The edges are highlighted with bright undertone colors and exude a vibrancy unmatched. The immense layer build-up produces a tactile feel of the pen that is substantive and warm to the touch. Aka (meaning red in Japanese) is described here to be Ketto (bloodline).

About Ranga M5 Pen Body and Filling System:

This pen was produced in partnership with Ranga Pens. Urushi lacquer is applied over a solidly constructed handmade Ranga model 5 ebonite pen body, including the threads.

Pen comes with an international pen converter but pen barrel chamber can also be filled eye dropper style (eye dropper does not come with pen).

 Nib Details:

This pen is furnished with a ShiZen 18k Gold, two-toned #6 nib, medium tip (currently ShiZen only offers one size: Medium)

The logo depicts an enso circle around a bonsai tree. Both of these illustrations have connections to Zen Buddhism. Enso circle represents a tranquil meditative state where one's mind is able to be emptied so that they can exercise immense creativity. Bonsai trees are commonly grown in Japan as they are perceived as living things that require discipline to care for them -- they also serve as harmony between nature and human-beings. 

 Technical Specification:

 About the Artisan:

Maki-e artisan Keisuke Seki lacquered this pen. Born in 1978, he was raised in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture and grew up with a love of drawing. As a child, his mother had told him that he would make a good maki-e artisan. His mother's words inspired him into becoming a maki-e artisan later in life. After graduating high school, he entered Kyoto Traditional Crafts College in Kyoto and studied lacquer and maki-e for 2 years. He later applied and was accepted to be an apprentice under Yutaro Shimode, a graduate school professor and one of Japan's leading maki-e artisans who was known for restoring maki-e at a very prestigious shrine Ise Jingu and made lacquered products for the emperor and his wife as well as state guests. After training with Yutaro for 8 years, he became independent and took over his family business.  He has lacquered various objects such as Buddhist altars, temple boxes, incense containers, sword sheaths, and tea ceremony items. He has also added to his arsenal other objects such as glasses, accessories, jewelry, and pearls. He is inspired by nature, inorganic objects, imaginary creatures, and hints of human interaction. He has won numerous awards in technical competitions sponsored by Kyoto Batsugu Cooperative Association. He has also obtained certification as a certified craftsman of kyomono and has been successful at launching a traditional craft accessories brand which has received high acclaim in various circles.