About us
Welcome to Our World of Exquisite Writing Instruments
At Sakura Fountain Pen Gallery, we pride ourselves on curating a selection of high-quality writing instruments and accessories, including limited editions, that embody our core values of authenticity, quality, and true craftsmanship. Our passion for fine pens extends to our dedication to offering brands that reflect these values, with a special emphasis on the elegance and precision of Japanese pens.
The Sakura Fountain Pen Gallery is a unique stationery shop in the heart of Belgium. Here you'll find high-quality writing instruments, some in limited editions. We understand the language of flow and flex, and why paper and ink play an important role in a good writing experience. We maintain a good balance between the enthusiastic hobbyist and the passionate collector. Everyone is welcome.
The Sakura Fountain Pen Gallery is best known for its collection of Japanese fountain pens with artistic value in Urushi and Maki-e. Valuable masterpieces of Russian Miniature Lacquer Art are also on display.
Our stationery range is complemented with inks from around the world and with paper specifically suited to fountain pen writers. We encourage creativity with a selection of fine stationery and creative instruments.
The accessories and gifts fit within the concept, where aesthetics, sustainability, and craftsmanship play a key role. Every item is selected, tested, and approved, and above all, explained with love and passion in our store in Diest and on the webshop.
Our home base is in Belgium, at Koning Albertstraat 72b, Diest. All orders are shipped from this place. We regularly organise events and gatherings for anyone who loves writing, ink, and paper. Our shop is no ordinary store; it's a treasure trove, and you're welcome to discover it.
Test pens, explore inks, and enjoy personalized service
The Sakura Fountain Pen Gallery is housed in a listed property in Diest, with fine parquet floors, timber paneling and a listed stove that all help to give the Gallery an olde-worlde yet tastefully inviting and appealing look and feel.
Our boutique has many features: two writing desks where you can test our pens, several swatch books with various types of ink that are available in the boutique, a room full of paper goods and a private area where you can discuss a specific assignment. Last but not least, we are at your service and attentive to all your needs, ideas and suggestions.
Located between the well-known Belgian cities of Leuven and Hasselt, Diest is a small, dynamic town that has many assets. One practical advantage is the fact that there are very few traffic jams and that it is not difficult to find a parking space. Diest has a rich history, and many tourists are surprised to discover the wealth of historical and cultural gems here. Koning Albertstraat is the main street that leads from the center of Diest to the splendid Beguinage Convent. The picturesque market offers a seemingly endless variety of food and drink. After you've visited the Sakura Gallery, why not take a stroll in the pedestrian shopping street in the center of the town? And the Warandepark is truly a haven of peace. You can even walk on the water... but that’s something you can discover yourself!
The people behind the pens, ink and paper
This is Anna. She holds a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. She joined Sakura in 2024 and is now one of our rocks. She is funny, very smart, loves philosophy and knits lace! Anna takes care of your orders, nourishes the website with content, and has a keen eye for technical features when it comes to pens and ink.
Toon is a graphic designer and holds a master's degree in Reading Type and Typography. He loves Japanese aesthetics and minimalistic design. His clear and fresh view adds to Sakura’s focus. He is dedicated, smart and super friendly! Toon guides you effortlessly in our shop and ensures our webshop is up to date. He has a particular interest in paper and stationery.
Romy holds a master’s in Photography and has travelled the world with her camera. She is socially involved, creative and has a strong interest in vintage and antique objects. Her keen eye for well-crafted pieces and compelling stories led her to Sakura. Romy is experienced in running a business and ensures the Sakura shop is managed in every respect. She handles customer enquiries, monitors orders, and manages day-to-day operations and events.
Valerie is our special guest. She studied Publicity and adores Japanese stationery, inks, paper and manga. She is creative and designs her own characters. We love to have her around. You will sometimes find her at the central table in our shop, preparing ink and paper samples.
My name is Catherine, founder and inspirer of the Sakura Fountain Pen Gallery since 2012. My career in the fountain pen business took a start in 2000 while working for a high-end pen shop in Leuven. When art and pens seemed to fuse together, I took a leap and founded the SFPG. One of the best decisions ever!
I had my artistic training and a passion for pens, and all I had to do was take all that to a higher level. I discovered the art of Maki-e, which opened up a whole new, fascinating, intelligent, and intriguing world. Japanese Maki-e and Russian Lacquer Art are the result of tradition, craftsmanship, exceptional talent, and perseverance. Skills which transform an item into a masterpiece.