Discover the artistry of tradition with the Cathay Pens Cigar, a writing instrument that embodies the elegance of hand-finished Urushi lacquer. Crafted in Luoyang—China’s ancient capital and a renowned center of fine craftsmanship—each pen is meticulously lacquered by master artisans using the Tamenuri technique. This time-honored method layers translucent colored Urushi over a dark base, creating depth and warmth that gradually reveals rich undertones as the finish ages.

At Cathay, we take this process further. Each Tamenuri pen is finished with extra layers of clear Urushi beyond industry standards. As a result, the pen emerges from the box with a deeper, darker appearance—an intentional beginning rather than a final state. With time and use, the clear Urushi slowly becomes more translucent, allowing the underlying colors to surface with increasing clarity and complexity. The finish matures in your hand, shaped by the way you write and live with it.

Beneath the Urushi layers lies a core crafted from premium ebonite, sourced from either Japanese Nikko Ebonite or high-grade German ebonite—two of the most respected materials in traditional fountain pen making. Known for its stability, warmth to the touch, and perfect compatibility with Urushi lacquer, this material provides the ideal foundation for the Tamenuri process while ensuring excellent balance and durability.

The rounded Cigar shape offers a classic, uninterrupted silhouette that accentuates the subtle color transitions of Tamenuri, allowing the craftsmanship to speak for itself through smooth, flowing curves.

Each pen is presented in a walnut wood box that converts into a display case for two or three pens—both functional and elegant, designed for collectors and daily writers alike.