Kyuseido Kakari FS: Fuyutsubaki Winter Camellia
This is the first of a series of four limited edition collections which draws inspiration from the four seasons, starting off with the iconic winter flower - the Winter Camellia. We have once again collaborated with Sophia from Urushi Notes to create this series of pens with each collection consisting of only 9 pens.
The changing seasons play a significant role in Japanese culture and life. As each cycle ends another begins and the natural landscape of Japan dramatically changes throughout the course of the year. The fleeting yet endless cycles of the seasons have been a continual source of inspiration for Japanese arts and literature. This close connection with nature runs deep within Japanese culture and is often celebrated with the many varieties of flowers that bloom throughout the different seasons.
The Winter Camellia or Fuyutsubaki has a significant symbolic presence, and is an integral part of Japanese culture. From its role in the tea ceremony as part of the family of tea plants, to the Camellia seed oil being used for fuel and as a natural beauty product. The elegant beauty of the Camellia that blooms during the coldest months of the year and its evergreen leaves makes them a beloved presence in Japanese gardens and landscapes, and heralds the ending of winter and the coming of spring. Given its ability to survive in the harshest of conditions, the Camellia has come to represent the indomitable spirit of love, loyalty, determination and resilience.
Although Camellias are often associated with beauty, love and perseverance, they have also come to be associated with death or funerals in Japan. At the end of the bloom, the entire flower head falls from the tree and can symbolize sudden loss or tragedy. Yet as the Camellias fall to the ground it creates a whole new landscape of a field of flowers, almost as if they were emerging from the ground below, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the Camellia in a different way.
This is a limited edition of 9 pens in this series. Each pen is numbered from 1 to 9 with the artist’s signature. Please note that these images shown here are representative photos of the pen, and there will be slight variations in colors and patterns between the different numbered editions.
About the Design
From the subtle shimmer of the nashiji silver flakes embedded in the transparent urushi, to the bold colors of the leaves and flowers, this unique combination of raden and maki-e techniques on a transparent barrel bring this beloved winter flower to life on the Kyuseido Kakari FS.
While the Red Camellia (Camellia Japonica) is the most iconic within the Camellia family, there are other variations such as the White and Pink Camellias that are also widespread within Japan. We decided to highlight this natural variation through incorporating the raden in three different ways. To create the Red Camellia, the raden was first painted with red urushi on the reverse side. The White Camellia was created in a similar way using Ginpaku where silver foil is applied in layers to the raden flowers, while the third Camellia flower maintains its translucency which showcases the beautiful natural iridescence of the raden that makes each pen truly unique.
Each Camellia flower was meticulously hand-cut from a sheet of raden, and surrounded by green and gold maki-e leaves on a transparent nashiji urushi background. The raden pattern of each flower was specifically chosen to highlight the natural changes in color variation of the shell. As the light reflects off the raden at different angles, the captivating changes in iridescence bring each flower to life, while the maki-e details add a subtle contrast to the brilliance of the raden.
This is a limited edition of 9 pens in this series. Each pen is numbered from 1 to 9 with the artist’s signature. Please note that these images shown here are representative photos of the pen, and there will be slight variations in colors and patterns between the different numbered editions.How to use the Pump Piston Filler
The rod in the pen can activated by unscrewing the piston knob of the barrel.
There are 3 spokes (or prongs) machined into the rod, which slide into the hooks of the piston head.
By default, the piston head is locked into the end of the barrel to the piston connector with threads.
When locked, the piston head must be unlocked from the barrel by engaging the spokes/prongs into the hooks of the piston head and turning it counter-clockwise.
Once the piston head is freed from the piston connector, it can be pushed along the barrel with the spokes/prongs engaged in the hooks.
Immerse the nib and feed into the ink and pull the rod to draw ink into the barrel of the pen.
Lock the piston head back into the piston connector by gently pulling the piston knob while turning it clockwise. Take care to NOT overtighten the piston head, as it may get stuck and difficult to unlock on the next use.
Disengage the rod from its hook and return it to its original position.
Warnings
We recommend the use of dye based fountain pen inks ONLY. Use of pigmented inks or iron gall inks may leave visible residue inside the clear barrel that cannot be removed.
Shimmer ink can be used, but the shimmer particles can remain in the barrel or leave visible residue around the o-rings. Similarly,
Self disassembly is not officially encouraged and any damage caused by disassembly is not covered under warranty.
Please place your pens on a pen tray or a pen rest when not in use at a desk. While the materials used in the Kyuseido Kakari and the Kyuseido Kosumi lines are of the highest quality, vertical impact may cause damage to the pen. Repairs are possible but will carry a repair fee.
When writing, be sure to unscrew the piston knob in order to allow ink to flow between the barrel and the feed. Ink flow may be constricted when the piston knob is closed.
Please do NOT attempt to self-repair. Always contact your Authorized Retailer first if you are having issues with your Pump Piston Filler.
For more information, please read our instructional page on the Pump Piston Filler.
TECHNICAL SPECS
Capped Weight: 46.6g
Uncapped Weight: 30.8g
Ink Capacity: 3.5ml ~ 4.2ml
Section Diameter: 10.6mm ~ 11.9mm
Pen Barrel Diameter: 12.6mm ~ 14mm