Nakaya Tortoiseshell Chinkin Karakusa

Nakaya will no longer have celluloid pens, leaving that material to its mother brand, Platinum. So it was an easy decision to procure one of their farewell releases. The tortoiseshell celluloid is a harmony of warm brown, ochre and yellow, making it a most appropriate host for the golden chinkin.

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The chinkin technique involves engraving a pattern onto a surface and filling it in with powder: gold, platinum, sumi. Karakusa, like housoge, is a traditional Japanese floral pattern.

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The cap ring and clip are standard issue, but somehow seem more opulent surrounded by golden chinkin. While I wouldn’t post this pen in use for fear of marring the finish – and I don’t usually post my pens, anyway -  this one certainly looks lovely posted.

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The nib is Nakaya’s super extra fine, given a flex modification by Mr. Mottishaw.

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It is more slender than a Piccolo, with a slightly longer gripping area. Even without maki-e or urushi, the tortoiseshell can hold its own as a piece of portable artistry.

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