If you consider yourself a fountain pen enthusiast but have not given a glass pen a try, you may be missing out.
Among unconventional writing instruments, the glass pen remains one of the most unique, not only for its material but for the way it functions. Crafted entirely from glass and used as a dip-style pen, it offers a writing experience that feels both timeless and intentional. Rather than storing ink internally like a fountain pen, a glass pen holds ink within the finely twisted grooves of its nib, releasing it gradually onto the paper and allowing writers to engage directly with the ink itself.
The origins of the glass pen are often traced back to 17th-century Venice, where Murano glassmakers are believed to have crafted early versions as durable alternatives to quill pens. Another widely referenced origin story places the invention in Japan in the early 20th century, where craftsmanship and functional beauty naturally converged. Today, glass pens continue to be appreciated not only as writing tools but as objects that reflect a long tradition of material experimentation and design.
Modern glass pens are especially valued for their clarity, ease of cleaning, and compatibility with a wide range of inks. These qualities set them apart from other writing instruments and, for some writers, make them a natural next step after fountain pens. While fountain pens are often favored for daily writing and expressive strokes, glass pens serve as a complementary tool, one suited to moments when ink appreciation, quiet focus, and thoughtful simplicity take center stage.
A Different Relationship with a Writing Instrument
For those who enjoy fountain pens, much of the pleasure comes from the relationship between pen, ink, and paper. A glass pen offers a different writing experience, one that brings greater awareness to the physical act of writing itself.
What makes writing with a glass pen feel unique:
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The material: Due to its unique material, the weight and balance of the glass feel noticeably different in the hand. The smooth nib glides across paper with little resistance, creating a smooth and more controlled writing experience.
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Visible ink flow: Ink remains visible along the grooves of the nib as you write. This makes each stroke feel intentional, as you can see the ink responding to movement, angle, and pace.
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Writing guided by gravity: Rather than relying on an internal mechanism, a glass pen allows ink to flow naturally through capillary action, surface tension, and gravity. Writing becomes an interesting experience with the visible collaboration between hand and physics.
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Freedom to experiment: Glass pens are compatible with a wide range of inks and liquid mediums. Many writers enjoy switching colors freely, while others experiment beyond ink, using watercolor or fluid pigments to explore artistic expression.
Together, these qualities make writing with a glass pen less about efficiency and more about experimentation and finding the perfect tool to create your desired results. It is not a replacement for fountain pens, but a complementary instrument, one that invites curiosity and attention.
Start with Teranishi Glass Pens
At Shibuya Stationery Store, we carry glass pens by Teranishi, a long-established Japanese manufacturer founded in Osaka in April 1916 by Teranishi Kouichi. As the company expanded overseas, it established the Guitar trademark and began developing the Guitar brand in 1931 at the beginning of the Showa era. This long history of manufacturing informs Teranishi’s approach today, where functionality and thoughtful design are closely intertwined.
For those curious about exploring glass pen writing, Teranishi’s collection offers an approachable yet refined starting point, balancing visual beauty and practical design.
Guitar Glass Pen Twist
The Guitar Glass Pen Twist is defined by its elegant, spiraled form, reminiscent of a softly glowing candle. Crafted from durable hard glass, its sculptural shape is both visually striking and comfortable in the hand, catching the light as it moves across the page. Subtle shimmering accent lines run through the twisted body, adding an interesting visual effect. Made from high-strength glass, it balances elegance with everyday usability.
Guitar Glass Pen
The Guitar Glass Pen is a handcrafted glass pen defined by its delicate transparency and softly shimmering glitter accents. It is designed for easy, everyday enjoyment, even for those new to glass pens. Made from durable hard glass, the pen offers a comfortable writing feel while remaining compatible with water-based dye inks, pigment inks, and shimmering inks.
Guitar Glass Pen Aurora
The Guitar Glass Pen Aurora is designed with portability in mind, featuring a protective cap and a durable acrylic barrel that helps safeguard the handcrafted glass nib when stored or carried. Easy to rinse clean with water, it allows for quick color changes without complicated care, making it well-suited for use on the go. Available in six color varieties and packaged in a dedicated box, the Aurora offers a refined glass pen experience that fits naturally into everyday carry or travel.
Inks to Pair with Your Glass Pen
To complement your glass pen, Shibuya Stationery Store carries a wide selection of inks suited for glass pens, from classic tones to more expressive colors. Because glass pens are easy to clean and quick to switch between inks, exploring different shades becomes part of the enjoyment. We invite you to browse our ink collection and discover colors that match your mood, writing style, or creative moment.
Let’s Get Curious with Glass Pens
For fountain pen enthusiasts, glass pens offer a familiar sense of discovery, much like the first time you picked up a fountain pen, but with a distinctive twist. They invite a more direct engagement with movement, material, and the subtle movement of ink on paper.
Whether you’re drawn to their sculptural beauty, their flexibility with different inks, or the quiet satisfaction of experimenting at your own pace, glass pens reward curiosity. They are not meant to replace your favorite fountain pen, but to sit alongside it, offering a different rhythm and a fresh source of inspiration.
If you’ve been curious but hesitant, consider this your invitation to explore. Discover the Teranishi glass pens we carry at Shibuya Stationery Store, pair them with inks that spark your interest, and give yourself the freedom to experiment, one thoughtful stroke at a time.
