Sailor x Classic Ko - Pro Gear Maki-e Fountain Pen - Ala SV

Sailor x Classic Ko - Pro Gear Maki-e Fountain Pen - Ala SV

The Ala SV was made incollaboration with Classic Ko, a Japanese jewelry brand of Oshita Kosen Kobo - a lacquerware studio that has been in business since 1894 in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture. The 'Ko' in Classic Ko is a pen name that has been passed down from the first "Sekko" to the next generation. "Ko" also carries the meaning of "wearing a person's sense of beauty and sensibility as a fragrance". The Ala SV pen is a combination of this generational lineage as well as sophisticated sensibility.

The Classic Ko Ala SV uses Maki-e and Urushi, techniques that have been passed down through the ages, and is adorned with an abstract design of mythical ancient ruins/relics. The myth that inspired the pen includes winged gods that represent good fortune and beauty - mirroring Classic Ko's ideals. Metallic (silver) lacquer and inlaid Mother of Pearl details complete the pen's merging of ancient techniques and modern design aesthetic. The transparent taupe grey body color is inspired by natural smoky quartz that can be found in many Classic Ko jewelry pieces. The custom finial features an engraving of Ko to complete the pen. 

About Oshita Kosen Studio:
The Oshita Kosen Lacquerware Studio has been producing and passing down Kaga lacquerware, a highly decorative technique that the founder, Oshita Yukika, learned in Kanazawa, in the mountains of his hometown. They have specialized in producing luxury writing instruments and tea ceremony utensils, and are devoted to pursuing the purity, delicacy, and elegance of Kaga Maki-e.

• 21k IP Gold Nib in Medium Fine
  
• IP Gold Trim and Accents
• Contains: 1 Special paulownia box with string (W75×D180×H33mm) 1 cleaning cloth, 2 black cartridge inks
• Fill mechanism: Cartridge or converter (Sailor proprietary) 
• Dimensions: φ18×129mm (including clip), 20.2g
• Release date: June 2024
• More Sailor Bespoke Pens

Sailor was founded in 1911. The founder Kyugoro Sakata was given a fountain pen by a friend returning from the UK after studying at the Royal Navy. He was inspired and determined to start making fountain pens in Japan. Sailor became the first fountain pen company in Japan, and earned many more firsts in Japan -- first ballpoint pen in 1948, first ink cartridge in 1954 and first brush pen in 1972, etc.

In the 1970's, Sailor made a popular beginner fountain pen, "Candy," that sold more than 15 million within a few years. However, the number of the fountain pen users were declining as ballpoint pens became more mainstream.

In 1981, Sailor decided to go in the opposite direction from their "Candy" pen and began focusing on producing a higher standard series, which is the 1911 series we see today. Their focus on making a higher standard provides a great foundation for their later series of pens. Today, Sailor makes one of the most diverse lines of nibs, some of which are designed for specific writing purposes such as writing musical notes to one that is best for character writing.