We’re thrilled to introduce an extraordinary new addition to our collection: the Kuretake Fountain Pen, which was created in collaboration with the popular fountain pen brand, Wancher.
Many of you are already familiar with Kuretake, a beloved Japanese stationery brand known for its rich artistic heritage and high-quality products. We proudly carry a wide range of their items and even featured them in our blog, Exploring the World of Japanese Stationery: Kuretake.
But for those who may be less familiar with Wancher, allow us to share why this collaboration is such a rare and exciting moment in the world of fine writing instruments.
Who is Wancher?
The story of Wancher begins not in a workshop, but in the deserts of Egypt in 1990. While conducting “Desert Greening” research under Japan’s ODA program, Mr. Okagaki Taizo faced an environment where handwriting became the only reliable method to document information. This experience sparked a vision: to create a fountain pen that would function reliably under any condition.
After a decade of meticulous development, Mr. Okagaki established his stationery company, THT Inc., in 2000. Initially, a retailer of other fountain pen brands, he continued to dedicate himself to crafting original pen designs. In 2011, he took the next bold step by rebranding the company as Wancher Inc., transforming it into an independent fountain pen manufacturer.
Since then, Wancher has earned a global reputation for its thoughtfully designed, handcrafted writing instruments, each infused with purpose, tradition, and a spirit of exploration. Their pens are not merely tools, but companions in creativity and self-expression.
To find out more about the Wancher brand, be sure to visit the Wancher’s Official Website.
Kuretake x Wancher Fountain Pen
We are honored to add the Kuretake and Wancher fountain pen collaboration to our lineup, a truly exceptional piece that exemplifies the pinnacle of Japanese artistry and precision.
Each fountain pen in this collaboration is inspired by Ukiyo-e, the iconic Japanese woodblock print style that once influenced Western Impressionist masters like Van Gogh. Using refined silkscreen printing, the designs are faithfully rendered with intricate detail and cultural depth.
The series also incorporates Kindai Maki-e, a modern adaptation of traditional Japanese lacquerware techniques.
How It’s Made
The Kuretake × Wancher fountain pen is crafted with exceptional attention to detail, resulting in a surprisingly lightweight yet remarkably durable writing instrument. Its seamless, jointless body allows the intricate Maki-e artwork to be showcased in its full elegance, uninterrupted and fluid across the pen's surface.
To achieve this refined form, artisans begin with a single sheet of aluminum, carefully forging it downward through a meticulous molding process until it takes the shape of a pen. This labor-intensive technique requires both delicacy and strength, ensuring the final product is not only visually stunning but also built to last.
Both the cap and body are shaped through a precise metal-squeezing method, a demanding process that calls for exceptional skill and patience. The result is a pen that does more than write, it tells a story. The beauty of modern Maki-e is captured not only in its design but in the care, craftsmanship, and tradition embedded in every step of its creation.
Features: Four Unique Designs
In Japanese culture, the dragon is a revered mythical creature symbolizing wisdom, strength, and nobility. In traditional Japanese art and literature, dragons are depicted not as fearsome beasts, but as wise and benevolent forces, closely associated with water and believed to bring good fortune and prosperity. This cultural reverence extends to the world of fine Japanese craftsmanship, including the art of fountain pens. Dragons are frequently featured as elegant design elements, either intricately carved into the pen’s body or rendered using maki-e. Incorporating dragons into fountain pen design not only honors centuries of Japanese artistry but also transforms a functional object into a meaningful expression of cultural heritage.
Inspired by Aka Fuji, a vibrant depiction of Mount Fuji by famed artist Katsushika Hokusai. In the iconic Red Fuji print, Mount Fuji is glowing in a vivid crimson hue, emerging as a profound symbol of Japan’s national identity and spiritual heritage. Its majestic, unchanging presence evokes a sense of tranquility and enduring strength amid life’s constant flux. The red coloration, reminiscent of the rising sun, carries connotations of joy, vitality, and renewal, offering a sense of hope and resilience. Traditionally viewed as an auspicious sight, especially at dawn, Red Fuji is imbued with spiritual significance, echoing the ancient belief that divine spirits dwell within the sacred mountain.
The crane is a traditional emblem of good fortune and long life, said to live 1,000 years. This design reflects wishes of prosperity and enduring happiness. The design draws inspiration from Rimpa, a celebrated Japanese painting style that emerged in the 17th century and continues to influence artists today. Characterized by its elegant use of natural motifs such as flowers, trees, mountains, and animals. Rimpa captures the harmonious beauty of the natural world, a theme deeply rooted in traditional Japanese aesthetics.
Sakura Spring Breeze, or Sakura Haru Kaze in Japanese, is a poetic expression that captures the fleeting beauty and gentle optimism of spring. In Japanese culture, cherry blossoms (sakura) are iconic symbols of renewal, beauty, and the impermanence of life. Their brief, delicate bloom is celebrated across the country through hanami, or flower-viewing gatherings, where friends and families marvel at the blossoms together. The phrase Sakura Spring Breeze conjures the image of petals dancing on a soft spring wind, evoking a sense of joy, transience, and seasonal transformation. Often used in literature and art, it reflects not only the arrival of spring but also the quiet poignancy of time passing.
Each design tells a story. Which one speaks to you? Do you see yourself writing with the strength of the Dragon, the hope of Red Fuji, the grace of the Crane, or the ephemeral beauty of the Sakura Spring Breeze? Which story do you want your writing to carry? Explore the collection and consider: could this be the next treasure in your stationery journey or a meaningful gift for someone special?
Whether you’re a devoted collector, a fountain pen enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, the Kuretake and Wancher collaboration Fountain Pen is more than just a writing instrument; it’s a celebration of Japanese art, culture, and tradition.
