Rooted in Japanese Culture

Red has held a special place in Japanese culture for thousands of years. If we look back as far as the Jōmon period, we see that red lacquer was used to decorate objects with symbolic meaning. Apart from being associated with fire, the sun and life, the colour has also come to represent good fortune, prosperity, happiness and rebirth.

One of its most recognisable appearances is on the vermilion torii gates found at Japanese sacred sites. According to Japanese tradition, these gates mark the transition from the everyday world into the spiritual realm, while their red colour is traditionally believed to repel evil spirits and offer protection.

The name Aka, meaning red in Japanese, reflects this cultural inspiration. For the fifth edition in the HANE family, SCRIBO chose an intense red lacquer finish whose appearance changes subtly as light hits the surface.

The Art of Urushi

The PIUMA HANE Aka brings together the Italian culture of writing and the Japanese tradition of Urushi lacquerwork. To achieve this vivid, glossy red finish, the craftsman applies thin layers of natural lacquer to the ebonite body of the pen, giving each layer plenty of time to dry before applying another. It's the only way to achieve that shine and that unmistakable depth, which is best revealed under light. This is why the craftsman must, before anything else, practise patience.

To enhance the red lacquer design and provide a touch of contrast, the nib and section ring are finished in gold. The edition also features the signatures of the artist and SCRIBO, both written in Japanese katakana characters. To complete the experience, the Japanese theme extends to the pen pouch that accompanies the edition, which is handcrafted and hand-sewn from authentic Japanese kimono silks.


Smooth like Lacquer

Apart from its design, the PIUMA HANE Aka is a true SCRIBO writer, and that is felt from the very moment the nib touches paper. You can choose from two nib options: an 18k gold nib available in Extra Extra Fine, Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Broad and BB, or a 14k gold flex nib available in Extra Fine, Fine and Medium. An ebonite feed measuring 6.5 mm in diameter keeps the ink flow constant and smooth.



The edition is limited to only 110 pieces worldwide and is the fifth member in the HANE family. Each represents another chapter in SCRIBO's ongoing collaboration with the Japanese tradition of Urushi lacquer-work, bringing together different interpretations of colour, symbolism and craftsmanship.