The following is a letter of explanation of the processes that are involved in making the Bamboo Wind fountain pen, sent to us by Nakaya Pen Co. of Tokyo.

Dear Mr. John Mottishaw,

As for the Bamboo Wind pen, please see the followings.

1)What technique is used in the making of the surface of the Bamboo Wind pen?
     - The technique is " Sumi-ko(charcoal powder) Taka Maki-e". 
       The Bamboo motif has the solidity with this technique.
2)How is it built up?
     - The base is Black urushi and Charcoal powder.
       The motif is also heaped up with the base and it is drew by Sumi-ko and  
       after that the powder is sprinkled.  After drying(becoming hard),
       "Fuki-urushi" is done.
       "Fuki-urushi" is like this.
          Pour the raw urushi on the surface and spread thinly. 
          Rub in the urushi roundly with "tanpo" which is made rounded by
          the cotton cloth. 
       In a few minutes, wipe the surface not to remain the urushi with
       the clean cloth.

3)What materials are used?
      - The material of the barrel is a ebonite.
         http://www.nakaya.org/ejiku.html

4)How long a process is it?
      -About two months.

5)What is the name of the artisan?
      -"Taiga"  「大雅」

I hope it helps you.