Nishio 1930's Urushi Ebonite Tsubaki Camellia Modern Maki-e Iridium Fountain Pen
Oshita Studio boasts an impressive roster of collaborations, having worked with renowned fountain pen companies like Pilot, Sailor, Platinum, and even Wancher. They have played a pivotal role in crafting affordable Maki-e Fountain Pens, bridging the gap between the rich history of Maki-e artistry and modern writing instruments.
Now We are working together with Oshita Art Studio Lacquerhouse to produce exclusive Maki-e Designs onto our Vintage 1940s Urushi Ebonite Fountain Pen from Nishio Private Pre & Post War Fountain Pen that we were able to acquire recently
Disclaimer:
Buyers are responsible for all customs and import fees. Please take a look at the shipping segment below for accurate details. US customers will pay upfront for the Custom fees, If you would like to pay for it yourself please do tell us!
ORIGINAL & AUTHENTIC
HANDMADE BY ISHIKAWA OSHITA ART STUDIO URUSHI ARTISANS
From Nishio Seisakujo Private Collection of 1930's-1940's URUSHI Ebonite Fountain Pen
TSUBAKI (JAPANESE CAMELLIA) MODERN MAKI-E Design
with Iridium Semi-Flex EF Nib
LAST ONE IN STOCK
*Specifications*
Brand: Nishio
Material: Ebonite
Filling mechanism: Tomeshiki Filler System (Similiar yet different from Eyedropper)
Nib: Semi-Flex Iridium Nib
Feed: Ebonite
Size: 140 mm (From the Cap) and 120 mm (From the Nib) 13 mm Thickness Cap, 12 mm Thickness Body
Weight: 14 g
*History of Pre-War Vintage Japanese Fountain Pen: Nishio Private Collection*
Renowned Japanese fountain pen manufacturer "NISHIO SEISHAKUSHO" crafted this in Osaka, one of Japan's largest cities. "NISHIO SEISHAKUSHO" embarked on its journey in the early 1900s and it is a testament to its legacy that it continues to be one of the most popular brands despite no longer being operational. The company's president and owner, eighty-four-year-old Mr. Zero Nishio holds the esteemed position of being considered one of Osaka's intellectual figures in the stationary revolution that followed World War II.
During that era, numerous distinctive pens were manufactured and sold by three prominent giants in the industry: Pilot, Sailor, and Platinum. Japan experienced unprecedented economic growth throughout the country, leading to the establishment of several stationary factories that, sadly, no longer exist today. In this regard, I am delighted to present a pen that originated in 1940s Osaka, Japan—a remarkable piece of history that is no longer readily available.
This pen carries the history of the Nishio Fountain pen for more than eighty years.
This pen is a piece of fountain pen history that you have the chance to possess.
I really love the design of this pen it pays tribute to the Pilot Custom 67 with a vintage ink-filling system
ABOUT MR NISHIO'S OSAKA STATIONERY COLLECTION*
Mr. Nishio was one of the prominent fountain pen sellers from the 1900s with a vast collection of ebonite and celluloid fountain pens. Mr. Nishio is also known to not only sell his own fountain pens but also make fountain pens for other companies. However, his endeavor came to an end when the war broke out and forced him to close down. His remaining collection was kept in the depository for a long time. Recently we were able to get a hold of his private collection which was in great condition! The supreme quality of his collection forces us to list the item for it to find a new home.
*Semi-Flex Nib*
Japanese Vintage Fountain pen uses a lot of Semi-Flex nib configurations. This is because, Semi-flex nibs allow writers to write broader strokes in and between each stoke by pressing on the nib, giving the writer the flexibility to write calligraphy. It is very crucial that a semi-flex nib is included in the fountain open back in the 1930s. It is because Japanese writers use a semi-flex ability to write kanjis and other characters that require a broader stroke between the fine strokes.
WRITING SAMPLE
*Urushi Modern Maki-e: by Oshita Art Studio Lacquer House*
Modern Maki-e Art in Japan
Modern Maki-e, or Kindai Maki-e, is a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Japanese art form of Maki-e. Maki-e involves decorating lacquerware or other surfaces with intricate designs using powdered metals, typically gold and silver, as well as other materials like crushed seashells and gemstones. These designs are created by skilled artisans who painstakingly apply these materials to the surface and then lacquer over them multiple times to create a smooth, durable finish. Modern Maki-e However provides an alternative method to the famous art craft. Instead of painting and decorating the pen with a paintbrush by hand, the Modern Maki-e technique uses digitally printed Maki-e designs on to a surface area. Can be a pen, bowl, laptop, or phone. However, how Oshita Art Studio Does Modern Maki-e takes it to the next level. They use screen printing and print the maki-e design onto the pen using thin layers of screen print papers and then coated with a thin layer of urushi and later decorated with Gold powder and Silver Powder by hand to add an extra touch to the pen.
ABOUT THE DESIGN: TSUBAKI (JAPANESE CAMELLIA)
Modern Maki-e Art in Japan
The Tsubaki (椿) design in Urushi maki-e is deeply rooted in Japan`s rich history, a symbol significant to Japanese art. Urushi maki-e is a traditional Japanese lacquerware technique that involves sprinkling metal powders, such as gold or silver, onto lacquer to create intricate designs. When this technique is applied to create the Tsubaki design, it holds a deep cultural significance in Japanese history.
The "Tsubaki" or the Camellia are often appreciated through the evolving arts of each era. The Camellia is native to Japan often associated with elegance and refined beauty that is seen in ones life and often symbolizes love and devotion in romantic contexts. The incorporation of the Tsubaki motifs into Urushi maki-e designs, provides contemporary artists a deeper appreciation to the cultural values and philosophical concepts that continues to influence Japanese aesthetics even in modern time.
*How to Use*
The Tomeshiki Filler System (or the Ink Stopper Filler System) functions similiarly to a eyedropper, the piston at the back is a mechanism that stops or allows the ink to flow into the nib. It is a old Japanese Filler Mechanism that have been disregarded as time passed for more easier ink access. Even we ourselve have discovered this type of filler found only in Japanese made Vintage pens.
To use the pen
- Unscrew the grip section to separate it from the barrel.
- Use an eyedropper to inject ink directly into the barrel
- Reattach the grip section securely.
- Once sealed, turn the piston knob (at the end of the barrel) counterclockwise to open the ink stopper.
- Hold the pen nib-down to allow ink to flow into the feed. After a few minutes, the pen should begin to write.
- Turn the piston clockwise again to close the ink stopper.
- If the ink in the feed runs out, simply repeat step 4 to allow more ink to flow in.
PRESENTATION
Comes Pen Box & Papers
*Condition*
The pen is in mint condition S Tier! There are no scratches or damages found on the body of the pen. The whole pen is made out of beautiful ebonite body construction and has been customized by applying Digital Maki-e print by Oshita Art Studio Maki-e
and the pen filler mechanism has been cleaned and the nib has been tested to assess any scratchiness or ink leakage and
The nib color is slightly off gold and it is because of the Gold Coating on the pen has matured over the years and hence creating a bronze like color. Be careful not to wipe the pen's nib vigorously because it can fade off the Gold Coating
The pen does not use a cartridge system but a piston lever system
ENGEIKA
For the seeds you just plant, let's us join a hand to water it. As a plant grows with day-to-day care, at Engeika, your satisfaction grows with our lifelong experiences and the fullest attention.
Founded in 1987, Engeika has been known as a leading direct-to-customer e-commerce retailer specializing in writing instruments, watches, bags & cases and recently lighters. Our mission is to bring the most wonderful products with the best quality and design to our customers from all over the world.
Engeika means horticulturist in Japanese. A horticulturist is a person who uses scientific as well as artistic knowledge to give the best caring to every single plant in his/her garden. The development of plants is his/her joy. And, the name says it all. We, at Engeika, love and proud to take care of each of you, our dear customers, as your satisfaction is our happiness and motivation everyday.
In each product in our store, we would like to bring to YOU not only the BEST QUALITY or the MOST AMAZING DESIGN but also the INSPIRING STORY lying under each of them.
About Writing Instruments
Our story all starts with the love for fountain pens as well as all writing instruments. We used to be amatuer in this field but time after time, knowledge is gained and experiences evolve. We are now proud to bring you not only the best writing products but also the most useful advice so that you can have the most satisfactory writing afterwards. If you have any questions about writing, please ask us anytime, you will quickly find your answer with our help.
I love to receive messages from you!If you have any question or inquiry, please FEEL FREE to ask me!Please click here to contact me through EbayPlease feel free to write me in any language you like. I will try my best to understand your words and write to you in English or Japanese.
Please click here to contact us if you have any question.
Return Policy:
Return Eligibility:
Items must be in new condition and has not been used at all means.
Return Instructions:
Before returning any item, please contact in advance. We would like to hear the reason why you want to refund the item as we always want you to be happy with your purchase.
Refund:
Right after your item is delivered to our address, we will let you know and refund to your account as soon as possible.
Item Condition Grade for Engeika Vintage Fountain Pen: Please Check Our Vintage Fountain Pen Grade list and read the item's condition list to see the Pen's actual grade ratings
All our pens are original and authentic because they're sourced directly from the owners of fountain pen collectors, factory owners in the 40s who's sons/daughters have sold their grandparent's fountain pen old stock and hence cant be sourced online. But for an even more detailed description of our pens condition, we have provided a grade tier list to help you determine if this is the pen for you
S Tier - Almost like Brand New: This pen is in exceptional condition, almost as if it were brand new. There are no signs of rust on the clip, and the original filling system is still intact and does not require replacement. The cap and piston filler, if applicable, screw on and off smoothly without any difficulties. The nib color is vivid with limited to no scratches. Any hairline scratches are barely visible, and there are no cracks on the pen. The pen feels smooth, polished, and shiny.
A Tier - Excellent Condition: This pen is in excellent condition with only minor flaws. There may be small chips on the nib, but no rust is present. Hairline scratches may be visible on the body, cap, and nib. The nib color remains consistent, although small scratches may be seen upon close inspection. The pen can be easily screwed on and off, and the filling system works properly. The original filling system is intact with no cracks on the body of the pen. The pen still feels smooth, polished, and shiny.
B Tier - Good Condition: This pen is in good condition and is perfectly usable. It may have some rust on the clip and trim. The nib color may have changed due to weathering or ink stains. The filling system has been replaced with a new one, possibly because the original one had hardened over time and needed replacement. There are no cracks on the pen, but there may be hairline scratches present.
C Tier - Fair Condition: This pen is in fair condition and is functional, but it has noticeable scratches on the body and cap. The trim may be rusted or chipped. Although there are no cracks, the filling system also requires replacement. The nib color may have changed, or the nib itself may have been re-polished.
F Tier - Poor Condition: This pen is still writable, but it is cosmetically in a terrible state. A major refurbishment has been conducted to restore the pen to an acceptable condition, but in the process, many of its original characteristics have been lost.
Please note that this item condition grade is based on general standards and may vary depending on the specific criteria and expectations of different collectors or sellers.
WORLDWIDE SHIPPING & CUSTOMS (2026 UPDATE)
ATTENTION: HIGH-DUTY REGIONS (LATAM)
For buyers in the following regions, import fees in 2026 are significantly higher than the global average. These fees are determined by your government and are not included in the shipping price.
- ???? BRAZIL: Combined taxes (II, PIS/COFINS, and ICMS) often reach 60–80% of the total value. A valid CPF (Tax ID) is strictly required for all shipments.
- ???? CHILE: The duty-free threshold is only $30 USD. Orders above this are subject to 6% duty + 19% VAT on the total cost (including shipping).
- ???? ARGENTINA: Strict "door-to-door" regulations apply. Buyers may need to confirm receipt on the AFIP website to clear customs.
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GLOBAL SHIPPING STATUS
- USA: Standard Shipping via Japan Post remains suspended. All US-bound orders will ship via Express Courier (DDP) to comply with current US import regulations.
- TURKEY: All orders ship via Japan Post EMS ($30 USD). Turkish customs require a Customs Broker; these fees are the buyer's responsibility and are non-refundable if the package is rejected.
- RESTRICTED: We are currently unable to deliver to Russia, North Korea, Belarus, or Ukraine.
EXPRESS-ONLY REGIONS ($75 USD FLAT RATE)
Due to current logistics challenges, shipping to the following countries is 75 USD via Express Shipping by default:
Yemen, Cyprus, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, UAE, Oman, Venezuela, Qatar, Egypt.
FOR US CUSTOMERS: ALL-INCLUSIVE (DDP)
As of late 2025, the US "Duty-Free" allowance was suspended. To ensure a seamless delivery:
- Final Price Guarantee: Your checkout total includes the 20% US Import Duty, the $20 Government Surcharge, and all brokerage fees.
- No Surprise Bills: You will not receive an invoice from the courier (UPS/DHL) for additional taxes.
FOR INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS (NON-US): STANDARD (DDU)
We ship Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) for all other countries.
- Buyer Responsibility: You are responsible for local VAT, GST, and duties.
- Payment Tip: Pay your duties online via the link sent by the carrier (UPS/DHL) to avoid the $12.00 in-person surcharge (ICOD fee) and speed up delivery by 1–2 days.
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SHIPPING TRANSPARENCY & ONLINE PAYMENT
100% Prepaid Transport We pay 100% of the international transport fees to the carrier (UPS, DHL, or Japan Post) before your item leaves Japan. In 99% of cases, your order will reach your door with no further delivery fees—only government duties apply.
How to Pay Your Customs Duties (Important) When your package arrives in your country, the carrier (UPS or DHL) will contact you via SMS or Email with a payment link. We strongly recommend paying these fees online through the official carrier website immediately.
Avoid "Payment on Delivery" Surcharges To save money and time, avoid paying the driver at the door. Note these 2026 carrier policies:
- UPS "ICOD" Fee: UPS now charges an additional $12.00 surcharge for any import charges collected at the door. This fee is waived if you pay online.
- DHL Disbursement Savings: DHL offers a discounted processing rate for duties paid via their "On Demand Delivery" portal. Paying in person results in a higher "Cash Handling" fee.
- Japan Post EMS: Your local post office (e.g., USPS) may charge a small nominal fee ($5–$10) for "Postage Due" or final-mile processing.
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IMPORTANT POLICIES
- Address: Please input your shipping address in the English alphabet only.
- Combined Shipping: We offer combined shipping for up to 10 items purchased within 3 days.
- Customs Refusal: If a package is returned because customs fees were not paid, we will refund the order minus the cost of two-way shipping (to and from your country) and any unpaid fees.
