Retired Pune Engineer Revives Ancient Japanese Urushi Art in Fountain Pen Craft

Vivek Kulkarni, a retired engineer from Pune, has revived the ancient Japanese art of Urushi lacquering by integrating it into fountain pen making. Starting in 2018-19 without formal training or a mentor, he overcame challenges including sourcing materials from Japan and family skepticism about the declining fountain pen market. His engineering skills aided his craftsmanship, leading to a globally recognized business that preserves this nearly extinct technique in India.