CP. Aka-Tamenuri Cigar Portable * Nakaya

 This Aka-tamenuri Portable Cigar fountain pen is made entirely of ebonite and is lacquered with a Wajima Urushi using the Tame-nuri technique. As ebonite is a very lightweight material, it is possible to make the barrel thicker and longer without adding too much weight. Thanks to the designer's success in finding the perfect point of equilibrium, this pen provides a comfortable writing experience for everyone. 

"Tame" means "pool", and "nuri" refers to the lacquer coating process. You can actually see through the layers of clear Urushi lacquer to the underlying coloured Urushi base as if you were looking into a pool. Once the coating process is completed, the surface is polished over and over by hand to obtain greater transparency. The entire process can take several months. When the polishing process is complete, you see the coloured Urushi background even more clearly. The result is quite amazing. Over time, the lacquer layers will lighten due to exposure to daylight and become even more pronounced. The layers of varnish and the colour will then stabilise. 

Important note: Urushi doesn't like direct sunlight, so keep your pens with their precious Urushi lacquer in a protected environment. A pen pouch, pen case or closed drawer is sufficient.

Nakaya is one of Japan's oldest and most important producers of writing instruments. The sober designs give Nakaya fountain pens their universal appeal. The wonderful lacquering and Maki-e techniques make them real works of art. Nakaya fountain pens are a must for any collection.