Giant Purple Butterfly Chinkin, Supreme fountain pen * Sailor limited edition

Description:

The Oh-murasaki (Sasakia charonda) is a Japanese butterfly species belonging to the Nymphalidae family. In Japan, it is called Oh-murasaki, which translates to "Giant Purple Butterfly." 

This is no ordinary butterfly; it is the national butterfly of Japan and a beloved symbol with a rich history. What makes this butterfly special are the wings of the males. Their deep purple colour isn't static; depending on the light that hits them, they seem to emit a mysterious, iridescent glow. This spectacular effect has fascinated people for centuries. 

The name, Oh-murasaki is even interwoven into one of the most famous tales in Japanese literature. The colour Murasaki (purple) is associated with Murasaki no Ue, the woman most loved by Hikaru Genji in the classic novel, The Tale of Genji. The purple hue symbolises her beauty and noble nature, lending the butterfly an extra layer of cultural significance.

Chinkin is a technique that requires extreme precision. Using specially designed mini-chisels, tiny grooves and lines are formed in the perfectly layered Urushi. There is no room for error. You will understand why when you see the Sailor Chinkin Peacock for yourself. Only highly skilled artists can achieve such intricacy. To crown it all, the lovingly designed Urushi lacquered box features the same motif. 

The well-known artist Ms. Etsuko Tsurata, once apprentice of the Famous National Treasure Mr Shogyo Oba, created the Sailor Chinkin Purple Butterfly using the Chinkin technique. The result is a painstakingly crafted bird of which each feather can be individually viewed! The ineffable shape of the Sailor Chinkin Peacock is created using gold, and kanshitsu powders.

Ms. Etsuko Tsuruta was born in Ishikawa prefecture in Japan.
In 1970, she served her time apprenticeship with Mr. Koji Itaya, a famous Chinkin artist, living in Ishikawa prefecture.
In 1973 she joined the 20th Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition and her crafts were accepted for this exhibition for the first time. After that, her crafts were accepted 34 times for this exhibition.
In 1977 she was certified a member of the Japan Art Craft Association in 1977.
In 1984 her craft was selected at the Exhibition of Japanese Traditional Lacquer Art Craft and her crafts were accepted 23 times for this exhibition.
In 1989 she served her time apprenticeship with Mr. Shogyo Oba who is a famous Living National Treasure, and she become an instructor of the Technical institute of Wajima Lacquer Art Craft.
In 1991 she joined Ishikawa Prefecture exhibition of the Japan Traditional Art Crafts and she was awarded the encouragement prize at this exhibition.
In 2000 she joined the Japan Traditional Art Crafts and she won the main prize of the Chief of the Cultural Affairs Agency.

Mrs Tsurata is a member of the following associations and institutes.
1) Japan Traditional Art Crafts
2)  Ishikawa prefecture Technical institute of Wajima Lacquer Art Craft.