ABOUT THE PEN:

The Platinum Izumo in Aka-tamenuri is less about the pen itself and more about what happens on its surface over time.

Built on an ebonite body, the pen is coated with multiple layers of urushi lacquer, applied and polished by hand. This traditional process creates a deep, almost living finish, where the red underlayer gradually reveals itself through the darker top coat — especially along the edges and curves. 

What makes Aka-tamenuri distinctive is not its initial appearance, but its evolution. With use, exposure to light, and time, the transparency of the lacquer increases, allowing the warm red tones to emerge more prominently. It is a finish that changes with the owner.

The form of the Izumo itself supports this perfectly. Its soft, continuous curves allow the light to move naturally across the surface, emphasizing the depth of the lacquer rather than distracting from it. 

The pen is equipped with Platinum’s 18k “President” nib — reliable, precise, and slightly finer in character compared to Western standards — paired with a cartridge/converter system that keeps it practical despite its artisanal nature. 

What makes this piece stand out to me is its quiet progression. It does not try to impress immediately. Instead, it becomes more interesting the longer you live with it — as the color deepens, the edges warm up, and the surface slowly reveals what was hidden beneath.