Upgrade Pilot/Namiki Bamboo

What one can do when you run out of idea, and you need to increase the sales revenue?

In Singapore, a lot of government subsidied housing owner look forward to the enbloc upgrade of thier building becuase they feel that the value of their appartment will appreciate. From my view, the government is very clever in running this programme.

Firstly, with this programme, they are able to get the owner to take out cash from their pocket (S$10,000 to S$20,000). Secondly, they have good reason to move the "money" around, which directly boost the contruction industry, and their own revenue.

Pilot/Namiki follow a familiar direction with thier Bamboo range of pens. Pilot/Namiki give the pen minimum changes, and label the new pen under Namiki, which is position as a preimum brand as compare to Pilot. By marketing the new pen under Namiki, it give consumer more reason to spend. Of course, the price will have to go up, because it is Namiki, and not Pilot.

The only different that we manage to spot is the 18K nib as compare to the Pilot 14K nib.

Will you buy more for the same pen under different brand?

Competition: 香蘭社 有田焼 古伊万里蘭菊

In the last blog, we mentioned that the competition from China hitted the Japanese porcedain trade very badly. Instead of becoming a dying trade, the Japanese took the opportunity to start a produce their own porcelain design.

Rumours, Rumours ... Omas Arte Italiana Olive Tree Wood Pen

Not too long ago, we blogged about the OMAS Arte Italiana Olive wood pen.

Recently, we heard rumours that Omas is planning to stop the production of this well crafted olive tree wood pen.

Arita - Japanese Porcelain Blooming time - 香蘭社 有田焼 青華春蘭

During transition period between Ming and Qing dynasty created an opportunity for the Japenese. The major production area in China, Ching Te Chen, become inactive because of the wars. The European who had been exporting large amount of the Chinese procelain had no option but to find other sources to fill the big demand back home.

Rumours, Rumours ... Rohrer & Klingner is now available

Rohrer & Klingner inks and dip pens are now available locally. Visit our freindly writing instruments retailer Fook Hing Trading to buy your supply.

Alternatively, you can purchase them at HOP(e) MarketPlace.

End of the Road ... Namiki First Chinkin Series

After one year of speculating on the rumour that Namiki will discontinue the production of their first Chinkin series, Namiki finally official announced it last week that they will stop the production with immediate effect. My understanding from the local AD was Namiki will not be able to fulfull all the current back orders.

If you still have not completed your collection, we recommend you visit your nearest agent to book your pieces now before it is too late.

Chinese Porcelain

Porcelain was discovered during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), but the craft only start developing to it potential during the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279 AD). During the Song Dynasty period, imperial factories were built for the sole purpose of creating porcelain decorations for the imperial palaces.

The techniques for manufacturing porcelain eventually spread to China and Korea by the 1100s and to Europe by the 1500s. Chinese porcelain remained the benchmark by which all else was measured.

Arita Porcelain - 香蘭社 有田焼 染山水

Many porcelain items collectors will know that best Japanese porcelain wares are make in the town of Arita.

The origin of porcelain art in Japan is dominated by two legends.

Happy Good Friday and Easter ... Moses

Moses is one of the best known people of The Holy Bible. He played a major role in the Exodus, and later he received The Ten Commandments from God. He is also the author of The Pentateuch; the first five books of the old testament - Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

Moses was botn in Egypt (Exodus 2:1-2), in the region of Goshen and The Nile Delta. He was a Levite (Exodus 2:1), son of Amran and Jocheded (Exodus 6:20), brother of Aaron and Miriam (1 Chronicles).

Note: Krone Pens For Sales at HOP(e)MarketPlace.