A number of Kyoto companies and artisans working in the traditional Kyoto industries have begun to develop novel products for contemporary lifestyle that are based upon or utilize some aspects of tradition. These products are especially fascinating to me because many of them could not really be developed anywhere other than Kyoto.
I recently came across this lacquered ‘fude’, or brush pen, made by a traditional kimono dying company in Kyoto called Okaju. It combines the convenience and mobility of a conventional ballpoint pen with the creamy flow and feel of brush and ink. Ink is provided by disposable ink cartridges. While fude pens are not uncommon in Japan, this one is beautifully hand lacquered and comes in a fabric case that utilizes Kyoto yuzen dying traditions.
I recently interviewed the fourth generation owner of Okaju, Mr Shigeo Okajima, regarding my application to present about Kyoto at TED next year and I came away with this wonderful pen. This pen is apparently quite a long seller and is very popular with Japanese literary and artistic types.
Okaju had a store in New York City with several other Kyoto companies and exhibits in Europe several times a year. Okaju is perhaps best known for its contemporary yuzen dyed women’s handbags and also has a wonderful collection of furoshiki based on the company’s kimono dye patterns from the Taisho period (1912-1926).
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Links and Reference
Okaju (corporate website, Japanese language)
Yuzen Dying (Wikipedia article)
I am an Artist from Tanzanai, East Africa. I want buy Brush Pen (Pentel FP 10). How can i get it?
Hello FEDE, OK, I will contact the owner of Okaju and ask him about how you can get a fude pen.
Hello,
I love this pen and would like to get one. Can I get the contact information for this.
Thank you so much.
bob
hello. i want to buy this fude pen. respond me in my mail. pen ni tsuite. ano… kaitai nandesu. onegaishimasu
Hello, I to am interested in purchasing a fude pen, and would love information on how to acquire one.
Thank you for your time.
How can I buy this pen?
Dear Michael,
I am an Artist from Germany.
I also would like to buy a Fude Pen as well. I own a Shop in Hamburg, maybe we can export them to Germany as well.
But it’s just a small Sidestore.
Your faithfully,
Kagali