Kiso lacquerware has a heritage dating back to early 17th century, originating in the Kiso Hirasawa area, among the many post station towns of Shiojiri City in Nagano Prefecture.
The densely wooded region with its moist atmosphere perfect for crafting lacquerware, cultivated a culture around the historical Nakasendo Trail, and from there, it developed into an industry.
By the mid Edo Period, Kiso lacquerware from Hirasawa became so renowned nationwide, that it was the iconic specialty of the region.
Many lacquer ateliers and shops lined the streets branching from the Nakasendo Trail from north to south, forming a community of the Urushi trade in Kiso Hirasawa.
In 2006, the Urushi trade townscape was designated a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, for its historical importance.
Kiso-nuri is characterized by the multiple layering method as seen in the famous Kiso Shunkei and Kiso Tsuishu styles.

The Sosaku Shunkei-nuri technique showcased in these fountain pens was born of Kiso Urushi artist Yusuke Iwahara’s passionate pursuit to hone his skills.
He brought Sosaku Shunkei-nuri to life, applying the Kiso Tsuishu technique of layering many coats of Urushi to prepare a base that shows through to the surface (characteristic of Shunkei-nuri) to heighten originality.
These fountain pens are masterpieces of Urushi art, featuring an emotional expression with depth.