In Japan, the brightly coloured koi, or nishikigoi, meaning “brocaded carp,” shares its name with a word for affection and love, making the fish a cherished symbol of love and friendship. The Koi Collection was inspired by David Oscarson’s 2016 trip to Tokyo.
In Japan, the brightly coloured koi, or nishikigoi, meaning “brocaded carp,” shares its name with a word for affection and love, making the fish a cherished symbol of love and friendship. The Koi Collection was inspired by David Oscarson’s 2016 trip to Tokyo.
Three varieties of koi swim among bamboo leaves and a waterlily, all in high and low relief, with the bamboo motif repeated on the clip and gripping section. Raised circles evoking bubbles and flower petals are scattered throughout, while the guilloché background ripples outward like a koi pond from each element. The Japanese character for Koi rises in high relief atop the cap, and David Oscarson’s name is engraved in Japanese on the cap ring.
Hard enamel, ground by hand from glass, water and metal oxides, is applied by quill and fired at over 1,000° F, then filed with a diamond file and refired until it fills every valley of the guilloché, a craft requiring a five-year apprenticeship.
The Collection — The 27th in the David Oscarson series of Limited Edition writing instruments. Produced in three primary colour variations: Translucent Teal, Ruby Red and Sapphire Blue.