SIMEICHU XiaoZhuo Black Persimmon/Kurogaki Fountain Pen

Kurogaki — The Art Wood of Japan

Crafted from rare Black Persimmon wood, known in Japan as Kurogaki (黒柿), this pen showcases one of the most prized natural grain patterns in traditional Japanese woodworking.

Kurogaki is not a separate tree species, but a rare form of persimmon wood that develops dramatic black veining deep within the grain — a phenomenon that occurs unpredictably in only a small number of trees. Because of this, every piece is naturally unique.

For centuries, Kurogaki has been highly valued in Japan for fine furniture, tea-room architecture, decorative arts, and artisan objects, admired for patterns reminiscent of ink brush landscapes and sumi-e painting.

Unlike the uniform darkness of Ebony, Black Persimmon possesses warmth, depth, and quiet variation. Some pens display bold black rivers across the grain, while others reveal soft smoky veining and subtle contrasts.

No two pens will ever be alike.

Each pen is individually crafted and randomly selected, celebrating the natural unpredictability that makes Kurogaki so treasured among wood collectors and artisans.

Designed for those who appreciate slow craftsmanship, tactile materials, and the quiet ritual of writing by hand.

About XiaoZhuo

XiaoZhuo is SIMEICHU's compact pocket-size pen series. It is made as a refined writing tool: good-looking, distinctive, dependable in daily use, and enjoyable to hold.

It is short when capped and more comfortable when posted. Current natural wood models use a short cartridge-based writing system. Check the product options for the available fountain pen nib or Schmidt rollerball writing unit.

XiaoZhuo Technical Specifications

Writing System Options

Fountain Pen

• Schmidt FH 241 fountain pen unit
• Schmidt #5 stainless steel nib
• Made in Germany
• Available nib sizes: Fine (F) or Medium (M)
• Uses standard international short ink cartridges

Cartridge Rollerball

• Official Schmidt Cartridge-Rollerball-System

• Currently available with the 0.7 mm TC ball only

• TC ball made from durable tungsten carbide

• Compatible with Schmidt FH 41 and FH 241 fountain pen units

• Uses standard international short ink cartridges

Interchangeable Writing System

The XiaoZhuo is designed to support two interchangeable Schmidt writing systems: an FH 241 fountain pen unit with a #5 stainless steel nib, or a Cartridge-Rollerball-System with a 0.7 mm TC ball.

Choose your preferred writing system when ordering. The writing unit selected at checkout is included with the pen.

Due to the XiaoZhuo’s compact length, it cannot accommodate a standard ink converter. Please use standard international short cartridges, or refill an empty cartridge with a syringe.

Natural Wood Care

Use it often. Wipe it with a soft dry cloth after use. Store it at normal room temperature.

Avoid high heat, direct sun, cars, heaters, air-conditioner vents, extreme dryness, high humidity, alcohol, and harsh cleaners.

Questions Before Buying?

For shipping, returns, wood care, cartridges, and XiaoZhuo design notes, please see our FAQ.