Ohnishi Seisakusho Matcha Green Celluloid Pencil Extender and Holder

£70.00

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If you are the sort who uses pencils to the last few centimetres, this may be a useful accessory. This nifty pencil extender allows you to re-purpose very small pencil stubs into full sized writing implements once again.

Here are the last vestiges of a once booming industry of some 500 pen makers in Osaka, producing hand-turned celluloid pens from the 1920s onwards. We feel proud to present to our customers the pens of Mr Kato and his apprentice Mr Ohnishi, who have been safekeeping this craft single-handedly for the last few decades.

Legendary Mr Kato Kiyoshi, affectionately nicknamed in the trade "the Father of Pens", began producing pens at age 19, after his father, also a pen maker, passed away shortly before WWII. We are told Mr Kato kept a large quantity of celluloid rods buried in his back garden; when the war was over, he dug these out and established his own pen company, eponymously named the Kato Seisakusho Company.

The many colourful stories about his escapades selling pens around the globe and in particular in the Middle East - including anecdotes of camel-riding and bribing jail officers with Japanese fountain pens - would have us believe Mr Kato was as talented a salesman as he was a master pen maker! During the 80s onwards, as one of the few remaining expert celluloid hand-turners, he was called upon by luxury pen brands such as Visconti to produce small runs of celluloid special editions.

Indeed celluloid, one of the earliest thermoplastics, is becoming an extinct base material for pen making - regretfully as it has beautiful density, shine, weight and of course features the most vibrant and sometimes psychedelic patterns. Today, it is used only in a handful of industries including luxury spectacle making. The production of celluloid in Japan has nearly now entirely stopped; Mr Ohnishi, who succeeded Mr Kato after his passing at the age of 85 in 2010, continued to work using materials in limited supply.

Unfortunately, due to the end of production of celluloid in Japan, acetate cellulose has had to step in as a replacement for the obsolete material. The result is not unlike celluloid, and possesses the feel of an antique from a bygone era with tremendous nostalgic appeal. This pencil extender is one of few made from the remaining celluloid.

Here photographed is Mr Ohnishi at his lathe, hand turning every piece with no machine calibration, using only his experienced eye to gauge each component.

Length: Closed 11.8cm, Posted 15.8 (including unsharpened pencil)
Diameter: 1.2cm
Weight: 15g
Body material: Acetate cellulose
Mechanism: Threaded screw on cap
Refill type: Fits any standard pencil
Included: Presentation box and one small pencil

Made in Japan

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Ohnishi Seisakusho Matcha Green Celluloid Pencil Extender and Holder

£70.00

FAQ

Do You Offer Gift Wrapping?

Yes, gift wrapping can be chosen before checkout and is a £10 flat fee, which includes a card and envelope for you to leave a message. We use premium materials, our in-house Italian paper and Swiss ribbon and an assortment of branded stickers.

How can I amend my order?

Once placed, orders cannot be modified and the address cannot be changed. This is to avoid errors in processing. If you have made an error, please email to request a cancellation, you can then place a new order with the correct details. Once shipped an order cannot be cancelled, it will need to be returned.

What if something is out of stock?

If an item in your order is unavailable, our team will contact you in writing to let you know and discuss your options. We’ll do our best to suggest alternatives or advise when the item is expected back in stock. During busy seasonal periods, if an item under £10 is out of stock, we’ll issue a refund for that product and send the rest of your order so you receive it without delay.

Can I buy gift vouchers?

Digital Gift Cards can be purchased through our website and are delivered by email, these are redeemable through online purchases only. In-store only gift vouchers can also be purchased by visiting us at our physical store in Covent Garden.

Can I collect my order in store?

Yes, if the items in your basket are available at our shop in Covent Garden, you will be able to select “Pick Up” at that location. Not all items will be available at this location.

Shipping

International shipping

We ship to all Worldwide destinations exclusively using DHL Express. For UK destinations DHL Express is a 24h next working day delivery service.

Dispatch Time

We aim to despatch orders within 48 hours. At busy shopping periods this can take an extra few days. Orders placed after 1pm on Fridays and at the weekend will be sent out Monday at the earliest.

Taxes

Shipping to USA, Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will be sent Delivered Duty Paid (DDP). This means all customs duties, taxes, and handling fees are already covered at checkout—so your order arrives without any unexpected extra charges.

About Us

Choosing Keeping is an independent shop located in Covent Garden, London. We specialise in offering a wide range of stationery and miscellaneous items to cater to all your needs.

We take pride in offering products that inspire creativity and elevate the art of writing. Whether you're looking for a special gift or simply want to treat yourself, we invite you to explore our collection and discover the joy of stationery.

We offer gift wrapping with premium materials, our in-house Italian paper and Swiss ribbon and an assortment of swallow branded stickers. We ship to all destinations worldwide by DHL.

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