Just got this prototype the other day, then again, the dilema is to find a place to post this. Since this pen is a prototype hence not for sale, so I thought it's OK to post here. As such, it will be open up for discussion as to whether you like or dislike the pen. Constructive feedbacks are always welcome, as then these will be taken by them seriously and have them improve upon etc.

The theme is the famous "Duel at Genryu-jima" or Duel at Ganryu Island. To many martial artists, Miyamoto Musashi is known as the "sword saint" and certainly one of the most famous swordsman in Japanese history. To businessmen and armchair strategists, he is accredited as the author of the "Book of five rings" which has been translated to many different languages. His life has been made to TV series, movies, manga (Japanese comic books). Of course the most famous depiction of Musashi in movie was done by the late great Toshiro Mifune known as "Samurai Trilogy".

More about Miyamoto Musashi, the tales has been told countless time, and this is where fiction and real life got mixed up. By all account, Musashi's father is also an accomplished swordsman, but he showed no love to the boy. Musashi was raised by his uncle instead and by some accounts, it is likely that Musashi taught himself fencing. His first duel was at age 13 and from that point, he traveled around Japan sharpening his skills by defeating masters after masters and warriors after warriors. His fighting style is non conventional, he will often use whatever he can to win: arriving late to irritate his opponents, using high ground to his advantages etc. It was only matter of time he was destine to meet... Kochiro Sasaki.

Sasaki by general account, is a better swordsman techniques-wise. He is known for using a "nodaichi" or a long sword of 90cm long (typical katana blade is about 70cm long). Despite this large weapon, he is feared for his unusually fast and precise cut. His most feared technique is the "Reverse Swallow cut", by modern account it is done with a very quick down stroke followed by a very quick up stroke (much like swallow's tail changing direction in mid fight). Like they said, there can be no two #1... so these two met at Ganryu Island for a final show down.

The Duel:
Since by most account Sasaki is a better swordsman, Musashi must find a way to win by cunning. By this time Saksaki already has a lot of students, and if Musashi wins the fight, Sasaki's students for certain will take revenge, so he must be able to escape from the island quickly. He also must find a way to counter the 90cm long sword, and he must somehow unnerve his opponent. To accomplish this, Musashi was 3 hours late to the duel. He came by boat when the tide was favorable. Instead of using his 70cm sword, he reworked an old oar and made it longer than 90cm. By arriving late, he greatly angered Sasaki. At this time, Saksaki drawn his long sward and threw away the scabard. Seeing this Musashi further irritated Sasaki by commenting this as a bad omen as the sword will never meet the scabard again. Blinded by rage, Sasaki made the mistake of not noticing now Musashi has his back against the sea with setting sun also in his back. By the time Saksaki noticed his own mistake, it was too late. Musashi quickly leaped into air with sun in his back to deliver his downward blow with is long oar. Blinded by the sun and the reflections from the sea, Sasaki managed to make a cut. Sasaki's long sword actually was faster and was able to cut down Musashi's headband, but before he can complete his famous "reverse swallow cut", the long oar of Musashi was able to struck down on Sasaki's skull hence ending the duel. While all the spectators and Sasaki's students were still in shock, Musashi had already jump into his boat, and by this time the tie had truned again in his favor and sailed him away from the island.

While Musashi was a brash young man during his duel days, he spent his later life living like a hermit writing books and by all account, also a accomplished painter and calligrapher.

Here is the pen:


Here is Musashi in the air delivering the blow. Notice the setting sun behind him and the extra long oar in his hands


Here we have Sasaki holding an extra long sword


Pen uncapped



Hope you enjoyed the pen and a bit of history.

Kevin

Wow. Excellent explanation and a really neato pen. The story is very well depicted in the artwork. I actually found myself squinting at the setting sun (I am easily swayed by the power of suggestion). I love that the cap and barrel are fighting each other...

Kath

Edired to say: Thank you, Kevin, for sharing this.

Wow as astudent or martial arts I find this pen interesting-can you tell us more about it, who makes it, what is the material, filling system, weight, size and cost?

since this is a prototype, I don't have a retail price. It is by Danitrio and it is an ED filler on the large Genkai pen body. I practiced kendo growing up and I can tell you I waited a long time for this pen when I got words that their artist will be attempting on one.

Best,

Kevin

To my horror!!! please pardon all the spelling, grammar mistakes... can't think and type at the same time.

Best,

Kevin

Hmm. I need to add that to the collection of great strategy stories I picked up at the war college

Wow, thanks for sharing this with us Kevin -- beautiful urushi workmanship on that pen!

Yup, he is your typical "win at all cost" kind of guy. This may be due to the fact that he had to fend for himself at young age. He is an interesting character. Yes, his skill was good enough to win in a fair fight, but to do it in a hard way may not be the "sure way". I remember one tale that he was fighting a ninja master who used chain and sickle as weapon. Back then, most samurai only uses the long sword in duel... well, his long sword was wrapped in apponent's chain and was coming in for the kill with the sickle. Out of desparation (or cunning), he drew his short sword and threw at the opponent. This surprised his opponent just long enough for him to get the long sword lose and moved in for the kill.... classic Musashi.

Kevin

We should seriously consider banning Winedoc from this forum, these pens are too beautiful and meaningful that they comprise a considerable temptation to us poor pen folk. ; ) Thanks Kevin for showing us these.

Thank you for a beautiful account of the Duel and the photos of a beautiful pen. As a Toshiro Mifune fan, I have slowly become more familiar with the true histories behind some of his more colorful characters. For those who have not seen the Samurai Trilogy, you have at the very least just read an artful review of the finale .

Kevin (the other one)

Nope, never knew anything about Miyamoto Musashi until now. Interesting story and a super pen. Thanks.

There is a novelisation of Musashi's life called 'Musashi' by Eiji Yoshikawa, translated by Charles S. Terry. My copy was published by Kodansha International, ISBN 4-7700-1813-4.
I never finished reading it when I first got it, but I think I will give it another go.

I have the same book... and it is a THICK book. A lot of added fluff, but all major duels are all there. Have fun reading.

Kevin

Great looking pen, this is probably the first of its kind which I'd consider buying (mainly because I study military history and this tells an interesting story). I can only hope the cost isn't too out there if this pen ever does go into production!

What a beautiful pen. Thanks for sharing the pen and the story behind the pen. I take away a little inspiration from the story of Miyamoto Musashi.

Awesome! I wish I could get one of these.

Now could you pass on the suggestion to make a pen depicting Minamoto Tametomo sinking a Taira warship with a single arrow? Now that's a pen I would just about die to see.


Merry Christmas!
Summer Greer

Very rich and interesting story. It sure adds to the provenance of the pen and its desirability. Thanks for the picture story and education.

Nice pen, illustrating a well known historical (?) duel.

I was very interested when I was younger. I've read the big thick novel, as well as less colourful accounts and of course "Book of Five Rings".