Namiki Chinkin Tiger

Tigers are the living species of cat. The largest tigers are found in the north, and gradually become smaller in the south.

The Siberian tigers are the largest subspecies. Male weigh 180 to 306 kg, and females weigh 100 to 167 kg. The Sumatran tigers are the smallest. The male weigh 100 to 140 kg and female weigh 75 to 110 kg.

Tigers are sexually dimorphic (males and females are distinctly different in appearances).

Tiger was born almost at the same time as human time or even earlier with history over a million years.

Since ancient time, Tigers was a highly regard symbol used across by many Asian cultures. It was been eulogize as the "saint animal", "master of the mountain", "king of animal" and "protective god of mountain". It symbolize invincibly, and power. It has been adored and worshipped by the Chinese and Japanese.

Tiger is a very popular symbol in Chinese and Japanese. In many a times, you will see both the tiger and dragon symbol draw or put together. They represent the Yin and Yang.

In Japan, there are a few good characters that associate with the symbol are passion, sensuality, speed, faculty, and beauty.

The big cat is also known for its cruelty and wrath.

Based on the Japanese grandma tale; if one see a tiger in his dream, it is an indication that new power is coming to him... a good sign

Namiki has chosen the crouching tiger as the 2009 theme for its Chinkin fountain pen collection, and to continue it tradition of representing a eminent Japanese emblems and mythological creatures on its fountain pens.

The new Namiki tiger emperor pens are design without a clip. This give the craftsman more freedom of space to express itself. It also employ a new chinkin know as Tenbori. This is a technique that uses different levels of concentrated dots to form dedicate and details of embellishments


Tenbori is not the only art form that uses dots for creating art. The other drawing or crafting that we encounter during our school days are the Australia Aboriginal painting. They uses different colors and concentration of dots to create their art.


However, the Tenbori chinkin technique need need far more skill and will power. The craftsman need to be highly skilled in order to use such chinkin technique. Any error, regardless how small is the error, cannot be correct.

In short, the craftsman is expected to produce only the ultimate perfection and flawless piece of art of the fountain pen. Anything less is not acceptable.


In order for the craftsman to produce a perfect masterpiece, he not only need to master the skill of his hands (for using the tools), he also need to have a high level of concentration. Hence, such technique can only be perform by artist who have outstanding skills as well as one who possesses immense strength of mind.


Yasuji Sumi crafted the majestic tiger prowling down a hilly bamboo landscape. This layout is traditional and orient art work. Yasuji skillful hands not only created a symbol that represent strength and fragility, the art work (a crouching tiger above bamboo hilly scenery) also reflect the old brief that you just need courage, determination, humility and flexibility, the 4 key characteristic to ride through any challenges and tribulations.




The beautiful chinkin tiger is now available at Fook Hing Trading, Aesthetic Bay Pte Ltd and other authorized retailers.