Platinum Izumo Bamboo Yokoajiro Weave Fountain Pen

This is a beautifully unusual pen, part of the Izumo series of luxury Platinum fountain pens. It has been created using traditional weaving techniques used in Japanese bamboo crafts.

Bamboo has long been a part of Japanese culture, having been used for a variety of tools and decorations for thousands of years. Skilled traditional craftsmen have used 'torafudake' (tiger-spotted bamboo) to create the barrel of this pen. Firstly an oil removing process called 'aburanuki' is used, which provides durability and lustre to the surface. Then 'arawari' - cutting - the bamboo takes place. Each strip is cut to an even width during a process called 'habatori'. Finally, the strips are woven using a technique known as 'yokoajiro', which produces an inclined pattern which effectively shows off the range of colours in this type of bamboo. Urushi lacquer is added as a protective finish.

Presented in a silvery-coloured fabric pen pouch secured with a decorative tie and cloud charm. The pouch also contains a pocket to store an extra ink cartridge. The pen, a bottle of blue black ink, a cartridge and converter are all encased within a luxury paulownia wood box.