Nakaya Naka-ai Cigar Chinkin Housoge Kikyo-Tamenuri Charcoal
Designed by Nakaya master pen designer Shinichi Yoshida in collaboration with Classic Fountain Pen's John Mottishaw, the Naka-ai, with its peaked 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 - this is a pen that will be a very comfortable fit for most pen users.
The Housoge floral pattern has its origins in the Tenpyo period, 729-749 CE, during which time Buddhism was becoming an officially recognized state religion in Japan. The Housoge represents an idealized hybrid "flower in paradise" as envisioned by the Pure Land Buddhism of the period.
Nakaya pens can be filled with bottled fountain pen ink using the provided converter, and can also use Platinum brand cartridges. Hand-painted Maki-e converters are also available.
Measurements & Specifications
| 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 | 23.8 g |
| Barrel Diameter | 0.6 |
