Nakaya Naka-ai Writer Ascending Dragon Aka-tamenuri
The Nakaya Naka-ai Writer Aka-tamenuri Ascending Dragon fountain pen exhibits two forms of ascent. The dragon rises up the body of the pen from the pen's tapered tail to the cap. At the same time a much slower ascent occurs as the maki-e gold dragon under-painting slowly emerges from the layers of semi-transparent urushi lacquer. This is known as the Tame-Sukashi technique as practiced by Nakaya Pen Co.
Designed by Nakaya master pen designer Shinichi Yoshida in collaboration with Classic Fountain Pen's John Mottishaw, the Naka-ai shape, with its cone-shaped ends and tapered body, combines many of Nakaya’s most distinctive design features in a single model. "Naka-ai" has the meaning of middle or in-between, and brings to mind the Middle Way of Buddhist practice with its emphasis on balance, integrity, and centeredness. Appropriately enough, the Naka-ai occupies a midway position between Nakaya's smaller Piccolo series pens and the longer Deskpen.
At first glance this pen may appear to be another Naka-ai Aka-tamenuri (Reddish-Red) fountain pen, but upon closer examination the image of a golden dragon can be seen through the deep layers of Urushi.
The fascinating feature of this pen is that the image literally "ascends" with use as the image of the dragon comes up as the pen is handled. In this slow process the owner's hand and everyday wear will give this pen the beauty of age. The smooth tapered shape of the Naka-ai model also adds to the illusion of an ascending dragon. As the pen slopes to its fullest point, the dragon appears to rise to the top as well.
The cap and barrel are hand-turned from high quality ebonite, the classic material for high quality fountain pens. Ebonite pens produced a hundred years ago and more are still in everyday usage with many aficionados.
A gold clip allows the pen to be affixed to a shirt pocket and complements the warm tones of the Aka-tamenuri finish.
Measurements & Specifications
| Clip | With Clip |
| Cap Type | Threaded |
| Closed Length | 5.9" |
| Postable | Not Postable |
| Barrel Length | 4.5" |
| Section Diameter | 0.4" |
| Cartridge Capacity | 1.5 ml |
| Converter Capacity | 0.5 ml |
| Ink Capacity | 1.5 ml |
| Filling System | Cartridge-Converter |
| Pen Weight | 26.4 g |
| Barrel Diameter | 0.6 |
