This is my very first Sailor pen and my second modern gold nib. I was just so enamoured with the colour and the folklore meaning behind the name that little convincing was needed to get me to order it. It came all the way from Japan (so I could save about $20), and I think it’s extra special when things come from the country they are tied to.

And it’s gorgeous! So beautiful, in fact, that I did indeed take it outside for a sunset photoshoot. The colour is so unique that I mixed my own ink for it to get just the right colour: a bit of soft mint; a bit of meadow; and a dash of gris de payne. It also led me on a lovely journey of Japanese fairytales and folklore.

The Colour

It is frustrating that the colour shows up differently in photographs than in person. The photo of the pen amongst the Rose Campion flowers was taken outside during sunset; the photo of it against paper was one that I adjusted the white balance to the white Rhodia pad; and the detailed shot of the band was taken under indoor lighting. It is definitely more green than it is blue so photos of it looking like the Grateful Crane model are lying to your eyes. It is the colour of jade (the colour of the Ryuga Palace).

UPDATE: I now own this same model of pen in the colour Haruzora, so here are some comparison shots:

The Nib

Though I am constantly in search of epic flex in my writing instruments, I really dig this firm MF nib. The size classification itself is rather odd if you ask me, because it seems quite fine, but I can appreciate that it is a Japanese pen and therefore more fine in general than, say, a Conklin. But this nib is so sturdy and smooth that it makes for a great writing experience. It can be used quickly without any catches or readjustments of grip. It’s the opposite of what I usually go for but I absolutely love it!

Writing Samples

UPDATE: I have found the perfect matching ink for this pen. It is Pennonia 008 Patina! I have also replaced the nib with a broad, which I like so much, even though it’s the new style (I’ll get a writing sample up here one day soon)

Ryuga Castle

The castle itself has been written about in stories for centuries. As with Lemuria, Kumari Kandam, and Atlantis, Ryuga is a civilisation deep in the sea that leaves us only with fabulous stories and energies.

The palace is surrounded by all four seasons, with winter to the north; spring to the east; summer to the south; and autumn to the west. The gardens in those directions represent these seasons as though time is captured in each one.

It is also home to the kami (spirit entities in a way like gods) of the sea, and from their ocean palace they give gifts to those who are sick. It is also where the Dragon kami Ryuo resides, and the castle is indeed named for him.

Verdict

After having this pen for a year and a half, I can say that it is one of my most used and my favourites. It has been constantly inked up the whole time and has never given me a single issue. This pen cemented Sailor as one of my favourite pen makers! One day maybe I’ll get a KOP, you never know.