Anything × Robinson Pen Case navy

The Robinson × Anything pen case in Navy is the result of a collaboration between two houses that unite writing culture and Japanese textile craftsmanship. It is manufactured entirely in Japan from the thickest available maekake cotton fabric – a material known for over 200 years as traditional Japanese workwear and woven on shuttle looms over a hundred years old. The dense, textured fabric in deep navy blue lies firmly and structurally in the hand. The characteristic maekake band of the original is found inside the case – there it keeps fountain pens, rollerballs and pencils securely in place.

Features

• Maekake cotton fabric, extra strong: Woven on traditional shuttle looms, this creates a particularly dense, durable fabric with a textured, slightly rough surface – fountain pens with lacquered or coated shafts don't slip away but lie securely in the case.
• Integrated maekake band: The webbing typical of traditional aprons is repurposed here as a pen holder – it secures writing instruments of different lengths and thicknesses without play inside the case.
• Navy with its own colour depth: The deep, restful navy blue is not a surface print but the result of the maekake dyeing process – evenly anchored in the fabric, the colour retains its richness even with everyday use.
• Compact format: The case fits flat into a bag or rucksack and takes up little desk space – ideal for a minimalist everyday setup with three to five writing instruments.
• Made in Japan: Manufactured in Japan in collaboration with Anything Co. – one of the last manufacturers to produce maekake fabric on traditional looms.

Use & Tips

• Transporting fountain pens: The maekake band securely holds even larger fountain pens with broad grip zones. When transporting in a trouser pocket or jacket pocket, it is advisable to lay the case flat so that converters or cartridges don't come under pressure.
• Assembling an everyday set: The case accommodates a curated selection: for example, a fountain pen with a stub nib for handwriting, a rollerball for quick notes and a mechanical pencil for sketches or corrections.
• Fabric care: Maekake cotton should be washed cold and separately from light-coloured laundry, as the dye can bleed. Do not use bleach or fabric softener. After washing, the fabric may shrink slightly – this is material-specific and does not affect functionality.
• As a gift: The case is an ideal companion to a fountain pen or notebook – especially if the recipient values material sourcing and craftsmanship.

For Textile and Writing Instrument Enthusiasts

Anything Co., based in Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture, is one of the few companies still producing maekake fabric on slow-running shuttle looms – machines that are barely operational on an industrial scale anymore. The slower weaving process creates a particularly dense, pressure-resistant fabric that develops a patina over time. Maekake itself originated as a Japanese work apron worn since the Muromachi period (15th century) – originally made from old sailcloth by fishermen, later by merchants, brewers and craftspeople. The navy of the case is rooted in the tradition of Japanese indigo dyeing (aizome): a restful, deep blue known internationally as "Japan Blue".

Technical Specifications