For your consideration, we are offering for sale this Circa 2005 Danitrio Takumi (model number N-160) Tame-nuri Ancient Design with Flowers & Birds Fountain Pen fitted with an 18K "Fireball" Medium Nib. This Danitrio Fountain Pen comes with the original black lacquered wooden box. The fountain pen has never been inked, except to create the writing sample in the listing images, and I consider this example in Mint condition!
Takumi is a Danitrio series pen that is cigar-shaped. Takumi means "good design or craft" in Japanese.
Tame-nuri is a traditional Urushi technique that involves applying Suki Urushi—a translucent lacquer—over a colored base layer. If the base color is Shu (red) and is overlaid with translucent Urushi, the finish is called Shu Tame-nuri. Once the translucent Urushi is applied, the pen is then completed using one of two finishing methods—Togidashi or Hana-nuri—depending on the desired final appearance. It's important to note that there is no truly colorless Urushi. Even the clearest Suki Urushi has a slight amber or light brown tint. As a result, when it’s layered over a base color, that underlying color shifts and deepens in tone—unlike modern synthetic coatings, which can be completely transparent - which you can see in the burgundy urushi I have here.
What makes Tame-nuri truly special is how it evolves over time. As the Urushi cures and ages, the membrane-thin layers gradually become lighter and more luminous. Within several months to a year, the pen’s finish develops a richer glow and enhanced depth, showcasing the dynamic beauty of true Urushi craftsmanship.
Birds and flowers are commonly depicted in Japan together to showcase the beauty of nature. It was believed to be introduced in Japan in the 14th century and was likely inspired by China's birds and flowers paintings, conceived around the 10th century. The
This Danitrio fountain pen has a Burgundy Urushi lacquer with raised painted gold birds, flowers, and butterflies. There are individual radan pieces in the flowers and butterflies. This work showcases the artisan, Mr. Koichiro Okazaki's, exceptional skill and attention to detail. The process of urushi lacquer takes anywhere from 2 to 6 months to complete.
The Danitrio Takumi model comes with the Danitrio gold-plated clip. The pen is in Mint condition with no nicks, cracks, scratches, wear, or repairs. The lower end of the barrel displays Mr. Koichiro Okazaki's signature as shown in image #6. The cap is always securing to the barrel tightly via threads. This Danitrio Takumi - Ancient Design Flowers and Birds Fountain Pen measures 5 7/8" capped and has a diameter of 18.07mm around the widest point, which is the center of the cap, and weighs 1.12 ounces.
The Danitrio Fountain Pen comes fitted with an 18K - #6 Medium Nib. The point measures at .88mm, or a medium point, when measured with digital calipers. When writing with this nib, it performs by writing with a smooth line ranging from Medium to Double Broad. The nib will range from a fine (.54mm) line to a double broad (1.29mm) line variation. It is just a fabulous writing nib, I can't emphasize enough how smoothly this nib writes! Often referred to by Danitrio collectors as the “fireball nib,” the design features an image of Kaen-Kōhai—a flame-shaped halo associated with Fudō Myōō (Acala), the "God of Fire."
The Danitrio uses an Ink Converter/Cartridge filling system. I have tested the ink converter with water, and it works as one would expect.
The Danitrio comes with the original black lacquered box and the Danitrio-branded polishing cloth.
This Danitrio Fountain Pen is individually handmade and takes roughly 2 to 6 months to get one of these completed. While not a limited edition, there were no more than 400 pieces made. I would consider this one in Mint Condition. This Danitrio Fountain Pen is considered a piece of fine artwork with fabulous detail. It is a spectacular and rare piece to add to one's writing arsenal collection!
