Helix Wisteria Glass Dip Pen with Pen Rest

The Helix Wisteria Glass Dip Pen is a handcrafted Japanese glass dip pen from Gabi Kobo, its barrel frosted rather than polished and matte to the touch, shading from lavender at the nib to warm yellow at the tail. White spiral lace lines run the full length, straight through the point where the lavender meets the yellow.

The spirals are drawn onto the frosted surface, and against that matte ground they read as soft white lace. The colour beneath them shifts gradually enough that the lavender and the yellow meet without a visible edge.

Every Gabi Kobo pen is made at the burner by Tomoya Sakagami, a young artisan who is largely self-taught, having started in burner work after coming across a beginner's kit in a department store.

The matching pen rest is two glass spheres fused together, one amber and one lavender, each with a small white fan drawn on its surface, and it holds the wet nib off the page. Dip it in Japanese dip pen inks and re-dip as the line begins to lighten.

Browse the full Japanese glass dip pens collection, or see the rest of the Gabi Kobo studio's work.

Details

• Nib Size: Fine
• Length: 4.3" (11 cm)
• Weight (Pen): 1.0 oz (28 g)
• Material: Glass
• Brand: Gabi Kobo
• Ink is not included.
• Note: Each piece is uniquely handmade, so expect some individual differences.

Gabi Kobo: Modern Craft, Timeless Tradition

Gabi Kobo is a studio where art meets tradition under the skilled hands of Tomoya Sakagami. The studio's name derives from the elegant 'Gabizan' plant, blending with Sakagami's own name to symbolize the beauty and grace of his creations. Each glass pen crafted by Tomoya is not just a tool but a piece of art, reflecting his commitment to aesthetics and functionality. He started in burner work out of curiosity after stumbling upon a beginner's kit in a department store, and his passion grew as he explored and mastered the craft independently.

Tomoya's design choices are deeply influenced by the beauty and continuity of traditional Japanese patterns. He chooses motifs such as hemp leaves and the Shippo Tsunagi not merely for their traditional value but for their stunning visual appeal and the intricate perspectives they offer. His innovative method involves connecting multiple elongated beads, allowing for detailed pattern work without compromising the integrity of the glass. This technique, along with his use of chemical reactions in the glass to create unique color effects, sets his pens apart in both beauty and construction.