Platinum x Kobayashi “Kawasemi”
Bungukan Kobayashi (also called Stationer’s Kobayashi) is a chain of stationery shops in Japan. The Platinum x Kobayashi “Kawasemi,” or Kingfisher, is based on the Kingfisher bird. The Kingfisher is also known in Japanese as the “Jade” or “Ruri,” and it is the official bird of Shizuoka City. The marketing copy reads:
“Based on Platinum Fountain Pen #3776 Century, this pen has a transparent blue-green barrel with a Ruri color design on the top and end caps. It is created in the image of Shizuoka City’s bird, the jade. The Jade, found in the rivers of Shizuoka City, has a bright blue back that looks green in the right light! It is a beautiful bird that looks like jade.”
Description
The product code for this pen is PNB-25000KB. Its body is bluer than the Fuji Shunkei “Kumpoo,” and top cap and end cap are Chartres Blue. It features gold plated trim and the usual Platinum #3776 Century nib (no shop etching).
Specifications
- Brand: PLATINUM
- Collection: #3776 Century Kobayashi Bungukan
- Model: Slip and Seal Mechanism
- Body Color: blue demonstrator
- Body Material: AS resin
- Grip: Chartres Blue
- Cap Type: screw-cap
- Clip & Trim: gold plated
- Nib Color: gold
- Nib Material: 14k gold
- Refill Mechanism: converter, proprietary cartridge
- Diameter – Max: 14.5mm
- Length (Closed): 136.5mm
- Weight: 16.4g
- Price:
- Nib Sizes:
- Origin: Japan
Platinum x Kobayashi “Clematis”
In 2022 Kobayashi released another Platinum #3776 collaboration, the Clematis. The body is matte and sandblasted (like the Nice without the grooves). The purple body and burgundy finials represent the colors of the clematis flower.
Platinum x Kobayashi “Suruga Bay Spring”
In 2023 Kobayashi released another Platinum #3776 collaboration, the Suruga Bay Spring. The light gray body with subtle shimmer represents the colors of the bay as the ice and snow of winter fade into spring (symbolized by the sakura flower on the nib). The Suruga Bay Spring is periodically restocked by Kobayashi.
Rarity and Availability
Shop collaborations with Japanese brands/stores are hard to access outside of Japan. Both JP-Select and Izumi Pen will often purchase rare collaborations for resale; but expect to pay at least $100 more than the original list price. A proxy service like White Rabbit is a cheaper option. Alternatively, set up a mail-forwarding service like Blackship to purchase and send the pen to a Japanese address.
The Clematis is still available from JP-Select for $395. The Kawasemi was previously sold by Pensachi for $375 and JP-Select for $398.