Shinobu translates as ""fern"", a plant known for its ability to grow in deep woods and soft light. The pattern of the fronds is subdued yet highly detailed winding effortlessly along the cap and barrel. When the light hits the green powder of the motif it emulates the way the morning sun reflects off of the fern leaves in the natural world.

This 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.

With a rich black Urushi base covered in intricate green fern leaves, the Nakaya Neo Standard Shinobu Green fountain pen takes the classic Neo Standard model to new heights.

Many stages go into making the special surface of this pen. First layers of urushi lacquer are applied over the natural hard rubber. Then the artist uses the Chinkin technique to carve the fine, narrow lines of the fern motif into these layers followed by an application of green pigment, first applied then removed leaving traces in the carved crevices.

This is a time-intensive and meticulous process, and each pen takes five months or longer to be created.

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 Neo Standard only comes in the Writer model with a clip, which allows the pen to be easily affixed to a shirt pocket. Here rose gold plated nib and clip complements the green fern motif.

Though the full range of Nakaya nibs is available, rose gold plating seen here matches the color of the clip and adds an understated effect to this work of art. The double slit Music nib is available at an added premium, as are the other plated nibs, Rhodium, Ruthenium, or Two-Tone.
14k nibs are well-suited to customizations including Stub, Cursive Italic, and Left Oblique, as well as the modification for added flex.

The pearl zogan inlay pictured is also available for an extra cost. Zogan inlays are diamond-shaped and created either from 24k gold or white pearl. Placement is on the gripping section in line with the nib.

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. See our nib set-up and optimization page for more details.