As art goes, lines and color contrast then conform, to create an image and evoke an emotion. As pens go, contour and balance join to create a similar emotion. When all were united at one moment in time, the Sailor Longtail Bird was born.

The Longtail Bird, known as "Onagadori" or Honorable Fowl, once adorned the ceremonial dress of the Shogun palace guards; revered for its ferocity and strength in battle. This design shows us, however, the gentile bird, at one with its surroundings, chasing a moth in the early morning.

Ish-u Tsukamoto using time-honored techniques passed to him through the Kiyose Family style created this pen. Here he creates a "Taka-Maki-e", or 3-D texture maki-e, paying homage to nature. Using the techniques of "raden", the inlay of abalone shell, and "chinkin", the application of small gold pieces, this image comes alive evoking a warmth and passion for all things natural.

This style of maki-e is called "Kaga-Maki-e", named for the rich maki-e region of Japan. This region carries a rich heritage of maki-e artists and techniques. Tsukamoto considers himself a "free-form" craftsman, rather than an artist, because he follows very traditional design styles and techniques. With only 10 of the pens currently produced and retailing at $10,000… Artist or craftsman… you be the judge, albeit, a very thin line.

Call 866-PEN-CITY for pricing.