Intricate platinum-colored flowers wrap around the Nakaya Neo Standard Housoge Kikyo and Platinum fountain pen from tip to tail, resulting in a striking writing instrument which is truly a work of art in its own right. Deep blue Urushi lacquer sets the ideal backdrop to showcase the Chinkin art work. The response to this new design has been highly enthusiastic. One of our customers says, “”This is the best shape that Nakaya has ever made.”” Available in clip model only.

The engraved pattern is even present on the gripping section, ensuring a pleasurable tactile experience when writing.

The Neo Standard is a full-sized pen that will fit comfortably in most hands. The long tapered tail of the barrel allows for excellent balance when in use.

Nakaya pens can be filled with bottled fountain pen ink using the provided converter and can also use Platinum brand ink cartridges. Hand-painted Maki-e converters are also available.

The Housoge floral pattern has its origins in the Tenpyo period, 729-749 CE, during which time Buddhism was becoming an officially recognized state religion in Japan. The Housoge represents an idealized hybrid “”flower in paradise”” as envisioned by the Pure Land Buddhism of the period.

Deep blue Kikyo Urushi lacquer is first hand-painted over ebonite, and then a skilled Maki-e artist carves the Housoge motif using a sharp instrument with the time-intensive Chinkin technique. Platinum powder is then sprinkled on to fill the fine, narrow lines of the design. You can feel the unique texture of the engravings as you run your hand along the cap and barrel. This is a time-intensive and meticulous process, and each pen takes at least six months and often much longer to be created. Due to the handmade nature of these writing instruments, no two will be exactly alike.

The Neo Standard only comes in the Writer model with a clip, which allows the pen to be easily affixed to a shirt pocket. Here rhodium plating on the clip complements the platinum Housoge motif.

Though the full range of Nakaya nibs is available, rhodium plating seen here matches the color of the clip and matches the color scheme of this work of art.

The larger tipped 14k nibs are well-suited to customizations including Stub, Cursive Italic, and Left Oblique, as well as the modification for added flex – see our nib customizations page for more information. The double slit Music nib is available at an added premium, as are plated nibs in Pink Gold, Rhodium, Ruthenium, or Two-Tone.

Decorative rice paper, a simple solid softwood shipping box decorated with Japanese Kanji script, and a fabric pen “”kimono”” are all included with this pen, making it a lovely presentation item. Sensible and elegant packaging has long been a hallmark of the Nakaya brand.

Unless requested otherwise, each pen or nib you purchase from us will be carefully examined, tested, and optimized for your personal writing characteristics before it ships.