This Is Awesome. A Brand New "broken" Nakaya

August 27, 2012

I had the good fortune to hold this pen in my hands and see it in the company of several "regular" Nakayas, and I must admit that it "works" for me. Whatever the skill level required to make a flawless coat of Urushi, it takes more, much more, skill to create the effect that you see on this pen. I thought it was just a painting of a crack, but it is not. The lacquer has actually been gouged away, with far more skill than required to apply it in the first place. To all those who hate it, if the idea of paying a premium to have a lovely object "defaced" bothers you, then you should realize that this is not "defacing" at all. It truly is artistic enough to be called embellishment. Think of it as an unusual alternative to maki-e. If you ever get the chance to see it up close, keep an open mind and you will see what I mean.

August 28, 2012

But that doesn't look aged, it looked like you dropped it, badly.

I agree with you! And, what a shame to do that on purpose to such a lovely finish! Definitely not to my liking -- I am careful with my pens so that they do not end up looking like that. I would never consider paying $900 for a pen that someone has abused on purpose via the "painstaking and time-consuming" "weathering process".

I think they are very pretty. Judging from the description of how they are made there is a lot of art to that distress. But, and fair enough, you certainly don't have to like it.

August 28, 2012

There are parts that I like better than others. I particularly like the wedge-shaped cut that extends to the end of the grip section. It made me think I might like the same technique used to create excavated areas reminiscent of the strokes of a flex pen being flexed, with one or two broader swaths crossing from barrel to cap giving way to wispy thin curves, and with some action on the grip section of similar size to what we see in Lisa's pen. Of course the pen would need a flexy nib.

September 6, 2012

This thread has fascinated me, drawn here strictly on the word NAKAYA. I love looking at anything Nakaya. I may not be personally impressed by ALL their offerings, but I do find them all to be beautiful works of art. (Personal Preferences applies.) I had the pleasure of meeting the people from Nakaya the first year they went to the Chicago Pen Show. (Sometime in the early part of the century 2002-2005, I don't remember the exact year.)

I was delighted by the offerings they brought with them. I was most attracted to one pen called Ayakashi or Apparition. This pen had a similar feature as the "crack" of the pen currently under discussion here. Also, it was different in that in the crackes there were skeleton parts. A skull coming out of the cap crack and a distorted arm coming from the barrel crack. The symbolgy, Mr. Nakata explained was to ward off evil, in that with the pen one could not write "evil" things. I was fascinated by this Asian philosophy and was attracted to the pen for a very long time even though I am not overly fond of skeleton images. The pen at that time was around $2,500 USD, today it is priced at $4,500. On their website one will find it in the Sumiko section of product offerings, for those of you who would like to take a look. It is not advertized as available throught John Mottishaw's website, but I'm sure it could be special ordered through them where someone to want it.

I was really tempted at the time to try to figure out how to acquire the pen, but ultimately had to admit that it was beyond my means and surely would have left me without funds for ink and paper for a rather long time. I am not tempted by the pen any longer as time has changed my perspective on what I like in pens and symbological explainations to images. I do however, still have a fancy for their pens. While at their table during the show they had every nib they offer (without custom grindings) in desktop style pens so one could experience them. I have to admit to a desire for one in nearly evey or any size. The writing experience is unlike anything else I have ever experienced. Perfection in balance and control of the instrument.

I can understand completely the draw of the Negoro Nuri for the OP, Ethernautrix [sp] and others who find this pen attractive. I wouldn't mind one myself. I also would like to applaud those who have supported the opinions of Lisa along with everyone else who finds this pen desirable. Isn't that what we all seek? Isn't that why we all come here - SUPPORT for out "affliction" with these instruments and tools.

I'd like it if you would note that I call these pens instuments. In my veiw of things these things aren't just mear pens, these are fountain pens. No matter what the bottom line cost is on them, whether it be a Platinum Preppy, a Lany, a Monte Blanc, Pelikan, Nakaya or any other brand name from low price to hundred of thousands of dollars. With the right pen, ink, paper combination, we are all here to experience the pure joy of ink flowing over that paper as we move our hands in the concerto's of life we write.

As Brian Goulet would say: "Write On!"