Now, before I start this perspective I want to highlight the importance of free thought and the philosophical issues I face when reviewing products. Just like shoe size, not every pen will fit, both physically and visually. We all enjoy different things and that’s the wonderful aspect of this hobby. Therefore the thoughts expressed in the video are my own and in no way do I have an expectation that you should buy products based on what I say. Ultimately, everyone will have different preferences and if possible, I’d always recommend trying a pen before you buy.
Introduction:
Many moons ago, when I was a child I would frequent National Trust properties. They filled my head with wonders, treasures from far and wide. Included were lacquered boxes from the Orient. Now of course, when I was 8 I had no clue about the dedication required to create such pieces, but it did plant a seed of curiosity.
That curiosity blossomed like Sakura in spring and now my eyes are wide open to the age-old beauty of East Asian traditional craft. It was with those beautiful designs on the lacquered boxes that made me appreciate how beautiful the Kaga range of pens from Platinum were. The simplified gold and black motifs really sung to me and harkened me back to my childhood.
Fast forward to the frenzy of Black Friday sales, a pen that I could only ever dream of owning came up for sale with a whopping 60 percent off. After a brief contemplation, lasting a mere five minutes, and the swift sale of a pen an hour later, the coveted item found its way into my basket. As if carried by cherub’s wings, it metaphorically soared to my doorstep, accompanied by the melodic harmonies of angelic choirs.
The Platinum Izumo Hama No Matsu is a masterpiece in the realm of luxury fountain pens, combining traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern design. From this pen perspective, we will delve into its rich history, cultural significance, intricate design, and the sublime writing experience it offers. The question is, is it worth the grand sum of its asking price? Well, let’s find out!
Izumo
The Izumo series, a testament to Platinum’s commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, reverentially pays homage to the ancient Japanese province of Izumo. Situated in the western part of Japan, Izumo is renowned for its profound cultural heritage and historical significance, making it a wellspring of inspiration for Platinum’s exquisite pens.
Nestled within the heart of this culturally rich region, Izumo has been a hub of artistic expression and craftsmanship for centuries. It is a place where traditions have been meticulously preserved, and the echoes of ancient wisdom resonate through the years. Platinum, a brand synonymous with unparalleled quality and innovation, recognizes the significance of this cultural tapestry and draws upon it to craft pens that transcend mere writing instruments.
The essence of Japanese artistry is intricately woven into the fabric of the Izumo series. Each pen is more than a tool for expression; it is a reflection of the spirit and creativity that have flourished in Izumo throughout history. The artisans at Platinum meticulously channel the cultural depth and artistic finesse of the region into every detail of the pen, from the choice of materials to the handcrafted motifs that adorn its surface.
Cultural Significance:
Before we delve into the main part of this perspective, I’d like to offer a brief description of the cultural significance of this pens design.
The Hama No Matsu, or “Pine of the Shore,” is more than a mere pen; it’s a cultural artefact. In Japanese culture, pine trees symbolise longevity, resilience, and steadfastness. The choice of “Matsu” (pine tree) in the pen’s name carries a deep cultural weight, representing endurance and immortality, making it a meaningful companion for those who value tradition and longevity in their writing instruments.
It’s with this deeply rooted understanding, we will now delve into the design.
Design:
The pen’s design is a marvel, marrying modern aesthetics with the functional and stylised clip and traditional Maki-e artistry. The intricate pine tree motifs, hand-painted with layers of Urushi, elevate the pen to a work of art. The attention to detail showcases incredibly delicate hairline strokes, demonstrating the mastery of Platinum’s skilled artisans.
Using Hira maki-e (flat design), we can see renditions of pine trees beautifully executed across the body of the pen, each element spaced well and complemented with waves finished with togidashi maki-e in the background.
The overall shape of the pen features a slender barrel, yet, somehow commands a presence due to its size. This allows the artist to add such wonderful details to each pine tree, each branch features foliage with beautiful shape and hair line branches.
The addition of a clip adds to the practical nature and harmoniously blends in with the gold elements on the pen’s base.
Writing Experience:
Putting pen to paper with the Hama No Matsu is a sublime experience, with no presence of hard starts or skipping. The 18k gold nib glides effortlessly, providing a smooth and consistent flow of ink. The weight and balance of the pen are meticulously calibrated, ensuring a comfortable grip that allows for extended writing sessions without fatigue.
I’ve even stress tested the pen to see how well it copes for prolonged periods of time between writing sessions and I’m pleased to state that in the usual Platinum tradition the pen writes wonderfully.
I’ve heard others report that the pen writes on the drier side and yes, in comparison to a Pelikan m1000 or Leonardo Momento Zero with a gold nib it certainly is a touch dry, but never in my time of writing has this proved an issue. In fact this pen is arguably more versatile due to being able to write on more paper types.
Overall Thoughts:
The Platinum Izumo Hama No Matsu is more than a fountain pen; it’s a celebration of Japanese heritage and craftsmanship. The combination of Maki-e artistry, thoughtful design, and the cultural significance of the pine tree make it a collector’s item and a practical writing tool. Whether you are an avid pen enthusiast or someone seeking a meaningful connection to Japanese culture, the Hama No Matsu is an investment that transcends its utilitarian purpose, offering an exquisite blend of tradition and innovation.
Yes, the price of this pen could easily make most eyes bulge, but the reality is the artistry and limited nature of the pen makes this arguably a fair price.
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