Wancher Sekai - Saihi Urushi - Aka-age Original

Each Saihi-Urushi fountain pen is a unique, handcrafted item. The Saihi-nuri technique requires numerous work steps and particularly careful, minimal polishing to preserve the characteristic textures.
As a result, fine traces of the process remain visible – a sign of true craftsmanship and not a defect. These traces give each piece its distinctive radiance and the authentic character of traditional lacquer art.

Saihi Urushi – An Imperial Art Form

Saihi Urushi originated in Huizhou, China, and has been revered as a royal art since the Song Dynasty. For centuries, it was so exclusive that only a few people outside the imperial court were ever allowed to touch it.
The technique was strictly guarded and almost disappeared in the 20th century.

Thanks to the collaboration with highly specialized artisans from Fuzhou, Wancher is now able to revive this rare art form in the Sekai Saihi Urushi Collection – in the form of a writing instrument that combines history, craftsmanship, and cultural significance.

The Art of Saihi-nuri – Raw Natural Urushi

The heart of the Saihi technique is Raw Natural Urushi – a natural lacquer with vibrant color, striking texture, and a semi-matte sheen.
It gives the wood exceptional durability and develops a beautiful patina over time:

– The lacquer brightens
– The sheen intensifies
– The surface gains depth

A Saihi-Urushi fountain pen ages like a work of art – visibly, gracefully, and uniquely.

The Traditional Saihi-nuri Process

The production of a Saihi-Urushi fountain pen is complex and takes several months. Although the technique has been adapted for writing instruments, the crucial steps remain unchanged:

1. Preparation of the Urushi
The raw lacquer is collected, filtered, and prepared for processing.

2. Creation of the Groove Structure
The characteristic grooves are individually shaped by hand. They determine the later pattern and make each piece unique.

3. Gold Leaf (Kinpaku)
Finest gold leaf is applied to create a shimmering effect later.

4. 30–40 Layers of Colored Urushi
Applied layer by layer, each must dry completely. This process takes 3–4 months.

5. The Crucial Step: Sanding & Polishing
This is where the outcome is decided. Too much polish – and the gold disappears. Too little – and the surface remains rough.
Only experienced masters can achieve this balance.

Wancher Sekai – Saihi Urushi Original

The Original Edition focuses entirely on the traditional Saihi-nuri technique – without additional Raden inlays.
The result is a fountain pen with a powerful, organic surface that genuinely showcases the essence of historical Saihi art.

Available in four color styles:
– Aka-age (Red)
– Ao-age (Blue)
– Murasaki-age (Purple)
– Kuro-age (Black)

Each color possesses its own depth, structure, and expressiveness.

Technical Data – Original Edition

• Material & Art Technique: Wood, Saihi Urushi
• Filling System: Standard cartridges & converter (European standard)
• Nib: #6 JoWo stainless steel or Wancher 18K gold
• Feed: Plastic, Ebonite Black or Ebonite Red
• Shape: Classic, balanced, warm in the hand

(Size information according to manufacturer: Coming Soon)

Scope of Delivery – Original Edition

• Sekai Saihi Urushi (Original)
• Traditional Japanese wooden box
• Converter
• Cartridge
• Instructional material

Shipping

– In stock, immediately available. Free shipping within Germany for orders over 50 € or store pickup.