Kuretake Fountain Brush Pen No. 15

The Kuretake Brush Pen No. 15 is a refillable brush pen styled after a Japanese urushi lacquer pen – black aluminium barrel, metallic lustre, fine polyester brush tip. The concept draws from Japanese calligraphy tradition: the precision of a fountain pen combined with the free stroke of a brush. Ink supply is via replaceable cartridges or – with a separately available Platinum converter – directly from the ink bottle.

Features

• Fine polyester brush tip: The synthetic fibre mimics the properties of weasel hair – it springs reliably back to its original shape and retains its point even after extended use. This enables the characteristic variation between hair-thin upstrokes and broad downstrokes, as valued in East Asian calligraphy.
• Urushi-style aluminium barrel: The black lacquered metal barrel feels cool and firm in the hand without being heavy. The clip grips securely on notebooks or inside jacket pockets.
• Cartridge system compatible with Platinum C/C standard: Refill with Platinum ink cartridges – black dye-based ink is included. With the Platinum converter, you can use bottled inks, including pigmented or waterproof variants.
• Ink type (included): Water-based dye ink, black – not archival, not waterproof. For waterproof results, use compatible Platinum pigment cartridges or carbon ink cartridges.
• Consistent ink flow: The filling mechanism dispenses ink continuously – no need to squeeze the barrel; flow is regulated by the capillary action of the brush tip.

Use & Tips

• Calligraphy and kanji: The fine brush tip of size No. 15 is particularly suited to precise letterforms – the stroke remains controllable, even at speed.
• Brush lettering: Pressure variation creates upstrokes and downstrokes with natural dynamism. Light pressure for thin lines, more pressure for broad strokes – no adjustment of the pen needed.
• Illustration and sketch: On slightly textured paper, speed and pressure create interesting line variation. On smooth, ink-resistant paper, ink flows cleanly and dries without feathering.
• Converter use: With a Platinum converter and pigmented ink, the No. 15 becomes a waterproof tool for ink work and wash techniques. Rinse the brush with lukewarm water when switching to pigmented ink.
• Care: During extended breaks, soak the tip in room-temperature water until the brush writes evenly again. Then start with a fresh cartridge.
• Portability: Thanks to its tight-closing screw cap and compact metal barrel, the pen is travel- and rucksack-friendly – ink-safe even without an extra cap.

For Calligraphy Enthusiasts

The model is called "Mannen Mohitsu" (万年毛筆) in Japanese – literally "ten-thousand-year hair brush" – and describes a concept widespread in Japanese everyday calligraphy for decades: a pen whose nib is replaced by a genuine brush tip. The polyester fibres of the No. 15 are engineered to mimic the spring-back properties of natural hair, whilst requiring less maintenance and lasting longer. Those working with pigmented or carbon inks should rinse the brush head regularly – pigment particles can settle in the fibres and impair flow. Compatibility with the Platinum converter opens the system to the full spectrum of bottled inks, including iron gall inks and water-based sumi ink variants.

Technical Specifications