Fountain pens become more fashionable for women

Fountain pens are usually heavy and masculine in color and appearance, but recent trends have given rise to lighter and more colorful fountain pens for women. Pens that are stylishly designed, and smooth and easy to write with seem to have been embraced by women as something for daily use.

Fountain pens have long been attractive to men as quality writing instruments. Many men often treated them as a kind of business tool or status symbol.

According to Yuko Matsuo of Kingdom Note, a writing materials specialty store in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, there is increasing interest in fountain pens among women nowadays.

“When choosing fountain pens, women place more importance on comfort while writing,” she said. “They enjoy using the pens in their private time, too.”

People these days are taking a fresh look at handwritten letters and the act of writing itself. Some enjoy posting photographs on social media sites of postcard-like letters or images they have written or drawn using fountain pens.

Possibly with women in mind, makers have been expanding the variety of their ink colors for several years. In addition to the classic colors of black and dark blue, pink, purple and other bright colors are now available. There also are inks with glitter as well as subtler shades, allowing for an abundance of expression.

“It’s not unusual for women to start using a fountain pen simply because they want to use a particular color of ink,” Matsuo said. She added that there are fountain pen lovers who change the ink cartridge and clean the pen nib so that they can use different colors according to the season, or even use different pens for different colors.

The design of ink bottles has also become more stylish. Some feature fancy labels or are made in a tilted fashion to make it easier to use all the ink.

Pen nibs, chiefly made with gold or stainless steel, generally come in three sizes to produce thin, medium or thick lines. Letters written with fountain pens show individuality, just as those written with a brush do. Individual touches are determined by the thickness and hardness of the nib, as well as the angle and how much pressure is applied when the pen is used.

Since fountain pens can allow writing without applying much pressure, letters can be beautifully written without causing fatigue, according to Matsuo.

Pen designs vary enough to make it very difficult to choose a favorite. In the price range of ¥20,000 to ¥100,000 that Matsuo recommends for women is Platinum Pen Co.’s Celluloid series. One particular product from this series is cherry blossom-colored and adorned with a pretty pattern. Nowadays, stationery made with celluloid, a type of synthetic resin, is said to be of particular value as its smoothness in one’s hands can be fully appreciated.

Matsuo also recommends German maker Graf von Faber-Castell’s Classic edition, platinum-plated fountain pen in Pernambuco wood. The wood casing increases its luster and distinctiveness through long use.

For women, fountain pens that are relatively slim should be easy to use.

“To find the best one, try holding a fountain pen in hand at a store and writing with it, if allowed,” Matsuo said.

Cases for fountain pens are useful when carrying pens around to stop them from getting damaged or leaving ink stains. Matsuo said bright cases can help make it easier to find in a bag.

(The Japan News)