Ballpoint Pen - MP EX - One of a Kind
Frequently bought together
The MP EX "One of a kind" by TETZBO is a collectible ballpoint pen, entirely forged and hand-carved in Japan by master craftsman Yoshikazu Takai. Each piece is strictly unique, with no standardized dimensions or series.
An exclusive creation by TETZBO from master blacksmith Yoshikazu Takai
Since each item is handmade individually, please expect slight variations in specifications or feel.
Surface patinas may develop more quickly in warmer climate regions.
From sculpture to writing: the multifaceted art of YOSHIKAZU TAKAI
Born in Hyogo Prefecture in 1952, Yoshikazu Takai represents an artistic metamorphosis that spans both fields and generations. Initially gaining fame as a sculptor, he expanded his influence into other areas of art and design.
Takai burst onto the art scene with a solo exhibition in 1987 at the prestigious Akiyama Gallery in Tokyo, marking the start of a distinguished career. Between 1987 and 1995, his successive exhibitions gained national and international acclaim. His large sculptures became landmarks in public spaces across Japan, adding a unique aesthetic touch to parks and famous squares.
Yet, change is a constant theme in Takai’s artistic endeavors. About ten years ago, he took an unexpected turn by shifting his focus from large-scale sculptures to the nuanced world of stationery. This pivot led him to create his stationery brand, “TETZBO.”
Applying his unique artistic perspective, Takai developed stationery items that not only tell stories but also encourage individual creativity. Each "TETZBO" piece carries the imprint of his sculptural background while venturing into new artistic territories.
By making this bold shift, Yoshikazu Takai demonstrated that artistic expression is not limited to a single medium. His transformation from renowned sculptor to inventive stationery creator illustrates his ability to reinvent himself while maintaining the emotional depth and complexity that characterize his work.
Today, he remains a lasting source of inspiration, affirming that a true artist is one who constantly evolves, innovates, and captivates.
Features
- Weight
- 70 g
- Material
- Brass
- Color
- Gilded
- Origin
- Japan
- Manufacturing
- Artisanal
Crafted in Tokyo, piece by piece
Yoshikazu Takai, a sculptor born in 1952 in Hyogo Prefecture, makes each TETZBO pen in his workshop in Tachikawa, Tokyo. Every step is done by hand: no piece is quite identical to another. It's intentional.
TETZBO EXPERTISE
What makes these pens unique
The work of the hand
Every manufacturing step is carried out by hand by Yoshikazu Takai. No industrial series, a gesture repeated piece after piece.
Le Chibien, metal pencil
The signature creation mimics a small freshly sharpened pencil, made of solid brass. Chibien means mini pencil.
Brass and iron
Unrefined base metals that darken and polish over time with handling.
No identical parts
Shapes, grooves, and finishes vary slightly from one piece to another. Your pen is truly one of a kind.
Repairable, rechargeable
The refills are standard Mitsubishi Jetstream references, and an Allen key is supplied with some models, such as the Chibien.
A master, a signature
Yoshikazu Takai makes it himself. Buying a TETZBO means receiving the work of a single pair of hands.