Sailor Chinkin Bumblebee.

The Sailor Chinkin Collection is made up of fountain pens which use Chinkin, one of lacquer ware techniques that Japan boasts to the world on a par with Maki-e. Motifs are carved into the lacquered surface with special chisels, and after inlaying lacquer in the grooves, placing gold leaves and gold powder gives the pattern expression. The delicate and fine depiction and three-dimensional aspect, overflowing with a strong power of expression are the special characteristics of this collection. Since Chinkin is a carving technique, there is no room for mistakes. This Sailor Chinkin Bumblebee was created by artist Ms Misato Tsukada, a female artist with a very promising future. Her style is called Senbi-Chinkin.

The carving techniques in the Chinkin method include Tenbori (dot carving), using a concentrated group of dots, Senbori (linear carving), employing concentrated lines, Kosuribori (rub carving), rough surface scratching, and Katagiribori (one side carving), using one corner of a flat chisel blade. By skilfully combining large and small dots, thin and thick lines, more profound and softer tones, fine delicate works with powerful relief, deep perspective, and rich texture are achieved.

About the artist. Ms Misato Tsukada was born in Okinawa prefecture in Japan. She graduated from Tohoku University of Art and Design in 2010 and served her apprenticeship with Mr. Katsuhiro Nishi, a famous Chinkin artist living in Ishikawa prefecture. She joined the 35th Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition in 2018 and her crafts were accepted for this exhibition for the first time.

The Sailor Chinkin Bumblebee fountain pen comes in a black lacquered box decorated with the same Chinkin design.