Name: Dream Pen Tsuikin Hibiscus - Urushi Black
SKU: 411576

Note:
- The Tsuikin art does not require any polishing steps. Therefore, sometimes it might leave the surface with a few uneven dots. *Please do not mistake these as defects.*
- The hand-making process makes every single pen a unique one, there is no pen exactly resembling one another. The one you will receive might be slightly different from the one here in the pictures, yet this characteristic makes each pen a unique work of art, with no two pieces exactly the same.

A brief history of Okinawa

The Ryukyu Islands first appeared in the ancient Chinese history book entitled "Sui Shu” around 607. After almost one and a half decades of going through the Chinese tributary system, two dynasties, and the Satsuma invasion, Ryukyu Kingdom was demolished by Meiji Government in 1879, and Okinawa prefecture was born. Yet again, when the Pacific War ended in 1945, Okinawa was once again parted from Japan as the U.S. limitary remained under their governance for the following 27 years. On May 15, 1972, Okinawa was officially returned to Japan, marking a new milestone in both Okinawa and Japan's history.

The origin of Ryukyu Tsuikin art

Despite the complicated history, the culture and traditional crafts, especially lacquering, fortunately, have flourished, preserved, and continued until today. Old documents record that Okinawan lacquerware appeared as soon as 1427, with a purchase record from Emperor Xuanzong of the Ming Dynasty. After the establishment of the First Ryukyu Dynasty (1429), the Kaizuri Bugyosho (a magistrate's office for lacquerware production) was founded.

In Okinawa, where politics and culture are deeply connected, lacquerware and lacquer ornaments were indispensable for ceremonies and rituals, not only for royalties and warrior families but also for local communities. Especially, after the invasion by the Satsuma Domain, the need for lacquerware increased as they needed to tribute to both the Tokugawa shogunate and Chinese emperors. Therefore, the Ryukyu Kingdom put the Kaizuri Bugyosho under its direct control to strengthen lacquerware production.

During this period - the highest peak of Ryukyu lacquer, Ryukyu governors even sent craftsmen to China several times and brought in various lacquering techniques. One of those craftsmen - Higa Josho has developed the Okinawan-own technique - Tsuikin.

How Tsuikin art was made

“Tsuikin" involves many processes and requires a high level of skill. First, pigments are kneaded into lacquer to make "Tsuikin-mochi," which is shaped like a rice cake. Next, the Tsuikin-mochi is rolled out thinly on a board using a roller to cut out a pattern to be pasted on a vessel. In addition, fine lines are chiseled on the pasted pattern, which is then colored last. Highly adhesive, the finish can last for a long time.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus is an important flower for the people of Okinawa, as it gives them a sense of tropical atmosphere. In Okinawa, the Hibiscus flower can be enjoyed all year round although its life span is actually for one day. This makes people relate to Hibiscus as a flower with delicate beauty.