Wrapped in silk thread and coated with many layers of urushi lacquer, the Hichiriki Whistle uses unique combinations of techniques which defy easy categorization by the traditional standards of Maki-e art. As always, Nakaya seeks to stretch the boundaries of what can be achieved both on and with a fountain pen.

The Nakaya Piccolo Cigar Hichiriki Whistle is handcrafted from ebonite and Urushi lacquer, and comes standard with solid gold 14k single-tone nib in your choice of tipping size.

The name Piccolo comes from the smallest of the woodwind instruments, and the Nakaya Piccolo Cigar Hichiriki Whistle fountain pen takes the instrument motif a step further.

The name Piccolo comes from the smallest of the woodwind instruments, and the Nakaya Piccolo Cigar Hichikiri Whistle fountain pen takes the instrument motif a step further. Fashioned in the likeness of the Hichiriki, the double reed Japanese flute, this striking fountain pen is a visual and textural work of art in red and black.

The wrapping process both strengthens the the cap and barrel, as well as providing a distinctive and unusual decorative element. String wrapping has a long history as a decorative art in Japan - tsukamaki, for instance, is the art of sword handle wrapping. Actual Hichiriki whistles are in fact bound with string, and have seven oblong-shaped finger holes. Here the red string emulates the placement of the wrapping on the Hichiriki, while the sleek Urushi lacquer underneath signifies where the finger holes would be placed on the body of the instrument, which is known for its use in sacred Shinto rituals.
This is a more compact fountain pen than most other Nakaya models, but will still be a comfortable fit for most users. It is not too heavy or too light, instead striking the perfect balance in the hand.

In order to create the wrapping, fine string is embedded in the urushi lacquer, and then given coats of this red natural resin. This is a time-intensive process that can take many months.
The Nakaya Piccolo Cigar can be filled with bottled fountain pen ink using the provided converter. Nakaya pens can also use Platinum brand ink cartridges. Hand-painted Maki-e converters are also available.

Nakaya 14k nibs are well-suited to customizations including Stub, Cursive Italic, and Left Oblique, as well as the modification for added flex.

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.