Sailor has once again brought to life a legendary fairy tale deeply rooted in Japanese folklore. In its latest Europe Exclusive launch, the Hiroshima-based company revives the story of Urashima Taro—a fisherman rewarded for rescuing a sea turtle and carried on its back to the Dragon Palace beneath the sea—transposing it onto the surface of a 50-piece limited edition.
The Story
The legend of Urashima Taro is one of Japan’s oldest folktales, with early references in the 8th century and later adaptations in the 15th century, when it took the shape most familiar today. It tells the story of a kind fisherman who, upon finding children mistreating a turtle on the beach, intervened and gently returned the little creature to the sea. Days later, the grateful turtle reappeared and invited him to the Dragon Palace beneath the waves. There, Princess Otohime welcomed Taro with lavish feasts, music, and joy beyond imagination. Time seemed suspended as he lived in this dreamlike paradise. Yet longing for home eventually stirred within him. Before he left, Otohime gave him an ornate box, warning him never to open it. Returning to shore, Taro found centuries had passed, his village gone. Confused and overwhelmed, Taro couldn’t resist the temptation to open the mysterious box. As he opened the box, he aged instantly and was left to face the irreversible passage of time.
The story of Urashima Taro carries deep symbolism and is often seen as a meditation on time, choice, and the fleeting nature of happiness. His visit to the Dragon Palace shows how tempting it is to live in a world of beauty and joy, but also reminds us that such pleasures cannot last forever. The box given to him by Princess Otohime becomes a lesson in trust and restraint, warning of the dangers of giving in to curiosity. Most of all, Taro’s sudden aging after opening the box shows that no one can escape the passing of time. In the end, his sorrow and regret teach us to value the present and appreciate life as it happens, because once a moment has gone, it can never return.
The Edition
The edition is built on the well-known oversized, torpedo-shaped chassis that Sailor has used for other Maki-e editions in the past, such as the Battle of Itsukushima, which serves as the perfect canvas for the miniature illustration signed by Urushi artist Ikki Moroike. This is not the first time Sailor has turned to the renowned artist. In fact, the company has been working closely with him for more than 15 years.
The fountain pen is nothing short of a masterpiece, and it’s truly remarkable how finely detailed his work appears on a fountain pen measuring just 18 x 153.3 mm. Starting from a black ebonite base, the artist captures Taro’s journey astride a turtle, descending into the ocean’s depths toward the Dragon Palace, where he is welcomed by Princess Otohime. Hand-applied Urushi lacquer and Raden elements vividly evoke the beauty and magic of the aquatic world on both sides of the pen.
Although no public information is available regarding the production time of each edition, the strictly limited number of just 50 pieces worldwide suggests a complex process that we can assume stretches over several months.
Each pen is equipped with Sailor’s famous king-size 21k gold nib, available in medium or broad. The edition is presented in a special Urushi box and accompanied by a 50ml ink bottle as well as a pen pouch.
Technical details:
Artist: Ikki Moroike
Maki-e with Raden
Nib: KOP 21K gold, King Size
Nib Finish: Bicolor Gold Plating
Material: Ebonite – Black
Size: Φ18 x 153.3mm
Weight: 38g
Gift Box: Special Box in Urushi
ITEM CODE:
10-8969-420 (M)
10-8969-620 (B)
BARCODE:
4901680602576 (M)
4901680602583 (B)
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