The Suzaku or Red Bird, along with the related Dragon, Turtle, and Tiger, is one of the major constellations in Chinese representations of the night sky. Embodying the Taoist concept of the fire element, the Red Bird can also represent the direction South and the season of summer. The Nakaya Long Cigar Red Bird Shinshin Suzaku is realized using the tame-sukashi technique.

In Tame-Sukashi technique, layers of clear, smooth Urushi lacquer are applied over a painted motif - it is similar to Tame-Nuri technique, in which lacquer is applied over a solid color. The underlying motif in Tame-Sukashi will become more promiment over time as the Urushi lacquer ages and becomes more transparent.

The tame-sukashi technique gives the finished surface of this pen a smooth, clear urushi finish.

As the urushi lacquer matures, the under-image of the Red Bird will grow even more prominent. This is truly a pen that will grow more interesting as it is used.

Note how Nakaya's artists have captured the dynamic shape of this bird as it winds diagonally around the cap and barrel of the pen.

See also the Ascending Dragon fountain pen, a companion pen to this one. We love the way the motif also emerges from the lacquer body in time.

""The South"" is expressed in Tenkoku (ancient Chinese stamp characters from three thousand years ago) on the gripping section.
The heavy decorative rice paper, simple solid softwood shipping box and fabric pouch make a lovely presentation for Nakaya Urushi pens. Sensible and elegant packaging have been a hallmark of Nakaya.