Danitrio Chinkin Praying Mantis

[jandrese]

Here is something special, the Danitrio Chinkin Praying Mantis design on Densho fountain pen. The pen was created by Mr. Katsuhiro Nishi (Katsuhiro), a recognized master of chinkin whose works are frequently displayed in Japan. According to the Danitrio website “He was already appointed to be a “Tokutaisha”, very high honored position at the Traditional Urushi Art Craft Association widely regarded as the most hopeful candidate to be the next National Treasure of Chinkin appointed by the Japanxese government.” That is impressive.

My only other chinking pen to date is a Namiki that depicts cranes on a yukari size pen. While that pen is very nice this is on another level. The pen is nearly entirely covered by multicolored chinking depicting in almost lifelike form praying mantis and flowers. The work is detailed and physically palpable. The carving is a feast for the eyes and the fingers. I’m really honored to own this pen.

 

There are three different praying mantis insects on the pen, two on the barrel and one on the cap. They are large, animated, and expressive. This really is high art on a fountain pen. The flowers explode off the pen like fireworks.

 

The broad 18k “flame” nib is really more of a stub and it is supplied by an ebonite feed whereas most densho pens (I think) have plastic feeds. Regardless, this is a Japanese eyedropper so it holds a lot ink, which is good since it lays down a juicy line of ink. If this pen has a weakness it’s that the cap unscrews with 3.5 turns, which is kind of a lot. In all other aspects, however, this is a rare combination of excellence as a pen and excellence as art. Referencing Marie Kondo this pen brings me joy and I won’t be parting with it.

 

Here is it is compared to my shu roiro-migaki densho that demonstrates the similar size and quality of the ground urushi work. On the other side is a Nakaya kuro ishime portable cigar model. All excellent pens.

[jar]

Very nice. I do like his work.

[MHBru]

damnnnnn.....that's a beauty . i noticed that the ink you were using closely matched the one I am using today... Kyo No Oto Ainibi... not so much a match on the pen tho..

[ethernautrix]

Very lovely! If I had such a pen, it would spark joy for me, too. Beautiful, beautiful.

[Nikolaos]

spectacular finish!

[a student]

Great display of Japanese skill and art form!

Incidentally, does the praying mantis insect have any special significance in Japanese culture? And one now also better understand's the question re Danitrio v Namiki

 

 

[jandrese]

14 hours ago, newstudent said:

Great display of Japanese skill and art form!

Incidentally, does the praying mantis insect have any special significance in Japanese culture? And one now also better understand's the question re Danitrio v Namiki

 

 

Japanese people ascribe various qualities to the praying mantis but they are also kept as pets. Just seems culturally relevant.