Each pattern symbolizes a special auspicious sign so that you can choose your own favorite based on the design or meaning. The preppy series has been well-received since its first appearance in 2007 for its high writing performance while being reasonably priced. The nib made of highly-polished stainless steel with a mixed metal point provides excellent abrasion resistance, making it the best quality fountain pen series for this price range.
It also comes equipped with the Slip & Seal Mechanism, which prevents the ink from drying out inside the pen even after a year without usage, providing a stress-free, smooth writing experience at any time. Preppy Wa models are particularly appreciated by international customers while the auspicious patterns make them ideal for a casual gift.
Unlike conventional Maki-e, it is applied with silk screen printing instead of Urushi lacquer on the underlayer, which is then sprinkled with colored powders such as gold and silver and hand-finished one by one by Maki-e artisans. It gives more thickness compared to normal printing, while the reflections and shades of the powders create a three-dimensional feel
Nib Size: Fine
Pen Options:
Hyotan (Gourd): The fruit of the gourd has a constricted shape in the center, and because of its interesting shape, it was made into a pattern along with the vines and leaves. Because gourds have many seeds, they are popular as auspicious patterns that bring prosperity to descendants. The Sennari gourd, which bears many fruits, is famous as Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s horse seal
Tachibana (Citrus): Tachibana is the only wild mandarin orange in Japan. In Kojiki (records of ancient matters in Japan), Tachibana is described as a plant of Tokoyo no Kuni (the utopia of immortality). And It is considered a symbol of eternal prosperity and longevity, and is used as an auspicious motif.
Koi no Taki-Nobori (Carp climbing up a waterfall): Carp with strong vitality is considered the chief river fish. And it is also said to be an auspicious pattern that symbolizes success in life, based on an ancient Chinese story that says, “A carp that climbs a rushing waterfall ascends to the sky and becomes a dragon.”
Nasu (Eggplant): The Japanese word Nasu is a homophone that means “things will go well” and “success,” and people have loved it as a pattern that brings good luck. It is said that “Ichi-Fuji, Ni-Taka, San-Nasubi (Mt.Fuji, hawk, and eggplants)” will bring good luck if seen in first dream of New Year, and it is a plant that is familiar to Japanese people.
Yanagi ni Koumori (Bats and Willow): In China, the kanji for bat has the same sound as ”turning into good fortune,” so it is considered an auspicious pattern that symbolizes good fortune and longevity. Japan was also influenced by this and was seen as a symbol of happiness during the Heian period.
Asagao (Morning-Glory): Morning glories were introduced in the Heian period for medicinal purposes, and their cultivation became popular during the Edo period, where they began to be depicted in ukiyo-e. Because the seeds are expensive, it is also said to be a symbol of wealth and prosperity. It also has the meaning of “solid bond” because it grows with a strong vine.
