Our first artisannly-crafted urushi-lacquered Esties are here.
Introducing Our Partnership with Tamenuri Studio
Artisan Craftsmanship. Esterbrook Excellence.
While Esterbrook may have its roots in the United States, it is very much a global brand. Because of this, we are constantly inspired by the artisan techniques found throughout the world.
One such technique is urushi, an ancient Japanese technique of using layers of lacquer to produce a stunning design. We tapped our friend Michal of Tamenuri Studio to help us in introducing two colorways for our first-ever artisan collection, showcased on an oversized Ebonite Estie.
Keep reading to find out more about our Kin-nashiji-nuri and Kanahebi Esties.
What Is Urushi?
Using an ancient technique, Tamenuri Studio spent countless hours applying a thin coating of lacquer to produce a spectacular, eye-catching design on our Esties
Why Esterbrook?
With over 150 years of heritage, Esterbrook has been the favorite pen for Presidents, Astronauts, and Writers. With an emphasis on craftsmanship, we aspire for greatness in everything we do.
Limited Inventory
Due to the nature of the urushi process, the Tamenuri x Esterbrook collaboration is an extremely limited production of only 6 pens per colorways.
The "Write" Nib for You
Enjoy one of X nib Jowo #6 nib options that best complement your personal writing style. Each pen in this collection will be equipped with an 18-Karat Gold Nib.
Which Will You Choose?
Kanahebi
The name of this pen means "Golden Snakes", a perfect representation of the golden bands that criss-cross the body of this Estie.
Kin-nashiji-nuri
Vibrantly adorned in an orange urushi, Kin-nashiji-nuri is the perfect complement to anyone looking to add a warmth to their pen collection.
Meet Michal Kulka
My urushi story started with fountain pens. I’ve been writing with fountain pens on and off most of my life, but 8 or so years ago I started collecting them and got much deeper into this rabbit hole. Including – buying my first Nakaya – a Decapot Twist in kuro-tamenuri. It was a grail pen for me then, and it ignited my interest in urushi. I started reading about it, searching Youtube, scientific papers, any piece of information I could find. Then I ordered some urushi and tools form Japan and started experimenting. And I still do, just much more.
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I make urushi pens. I turn them myself from Japanese ebonite form Nikko, and lacquer them in countless different techniques. From time to time I am approached by other penmakers or companies to collaborate – apply urushi on their pens or produce a limited edition. To be frank I refuse most of such offers, but sometimes… Sometimes I am given full creative freedom, patience and great communication and then Esterbrook Urushi happens.