Ohnishi Seisakusho Tortoiseshell Celluloid Ohnishi Nib Holder

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.

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.

Cleaning: Fountain pens should be cleaned regularly, at a minimum once a month, even if writing well. Dry ink, dust and paper fibre can accumulate internally causing disruption to the ink flow, scratchiness or skipping. When changing ink colours, especially when moving from a dark to light colour, it is important to flush out a pen for best colour clarity and stability. To clean a pen, first remove the lid, unscrew the nib/grip section from the barrel/pen body and if using, dispose of the cartridge, or remove converter. Hold the nib section downwards under a cold stream of water or tap, allowing for water to flow through the feed until the water runs clear.

For thorough or deeper clean, soak the feed section in a glass of clean water for a few hours, then dry with a towel or tissue paper. Once dry (may need drying overnight), install a fresh new cartridge, and re-assemble the pen.

Don’t forget that dry ink can also cause damage to the cap threading. The pen body, inside the cap and all pen parts should be clean and tidy. A well kept pen should only show inkflow in the nib tines/slit.

Storage: When not in use for over a week, pens should be stored clean and empty. Especially in hot climate (over the summer) and if used only sporadically, fountain pens will need extra cleaning. The nib is the most delicate part of the pen, it should not be dropped or shocked. When the tines come apart from each other, this is a called a sprung nib and will need repairing or changing. Ink: Only use ink labelled as fountain pen safe. Drawing inks such as China Ink or Indian ink should never be used in fountain pens. Ink choice can affect flow as some inks are more lubricating and others more pigmented. Pigment is a physical particle relative to dye which does not harden and stays liquid. As a rule of thumb black ink is more pigmented and 'dryer' than blue which is lubricating and the optimal colour for ink flow. While shimmering inks and iron gall based inks which are fountain pen friendly can be used with fountain pens, they may dry up faster and may require more regular pen cleaning. Sharing: Pens are best used by a single unique person. Not unlike leather shoes, the nib will gradually mould to your hand and handwriting style. If used by another person it may be that the pen feels different after or worse, that the tines are sprung (when the tines become splayed).

Length: 12cm, with a nib 14.5cm
Diameter 1.2cm
Weight: 11g
Body material: Acetate cellulose
Nib Size: Takes G nib
Nib Material: Steel
Included: Presentation box, one G nib

Made in Japan