The Aomori Fugamon-nuri Style of Lacquer Art
Aomori Prefecture’s Tsugaru region is highly recognized for fine Japanese lacquerware, but has a very cold climate which makes it difficult to handle Urushi lacquer.
This difficulty led to a centuries-long quest to perfect the art in a manner suited to the local climate, giving birth to the technique of layering multiple coats, called “kawari-nuri”.
Kawari-nuri can largely be categorized into 2 methods of Urushi lacquering.
The first method uses a combination of Urushi and other materials (e.g. mother-of-pearl, gold/silver powder and plant parts such as rice husk). The second uses various types of Urushi in multiple coats without mixing other materials.
Of the various existing styles, the “togidashi-nuri” technique is iconic of Tsugaru region’s lacquer art, layering Urushi a few dozen times, producing durable lacquerware with a uniquely expressive design.
The Fugamon-nuri style art that adorns these fountain pens is an original style developed by lacquer artist Hirokazu Shimamori, based on Tsugaru togidashi-nuri with a highly creative twist, fusing both of the aforementioned methods of lacquering.
By layering Urushi a few dozen times from the base coat, patterning coat, surface coat, gold/silver powder coat, to the top coat, each coat lends an artistic quality of its own that shines through when polished, creating lacquer art of refined sophistication.
These fountain pens are intricate masterpieces that embody the Japanese spirit of modesty and elegance, expressed through a serene and tactful design.


Exclusive Paulownia Wood Case
Paulownia wood which makes up the box is the perfect material for storing lacquerware products.
This box is made of high quality Japanese pawlownia wood with a detailed grainy texture.
The strap is a durable braid which doesn't bend easily and is said to have been often used by historical tea master Sen no Rikyu as a tea ceremony equipment.


Lacquer Artist Hirokazu Shimamori
Born in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture / Graduated University with a degree from the Art, Design and Metal Carving Dept. / Graduate of Tsugaru-nuri Research Center (Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture)
Award for Excellence: University Graduate Exhibition / Award for Excellence: Tsugaru-nuri Exhibition
In 2011, Hirokazu started up his own brand “LANDPROTECTO” to pursue the potentials of traditional artistic heritage.
His artistic style is a fusion of Urushi lacquer art and metal carving art, integrating tradition with original creativity to heighten the value of traditional arts and crafts.
Hirokazu’s unique works of art have won wide acclaim at countless solo exhibitions, group exhibitions and craft fairs.