ASA, Subramaniam, Shirsendu Bandopadhyay - trinity of another kind!
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- čas přidán 12. 04. 2024
- ASA, Subramaniam, Fountain Pens - the three terms are synonymous, and for many of us, the starting point from where our journey into the rabbit hole of fountain pen obsession begins. He makes pens that are well-made, that look good, that write decently, and that are priced well within the reach. Little wonder that ASA has a near cult status and people are willing to take even his inordinate manufacturing delays in the stride. But then again, like his innumerable followers are wont to point out - he is out there, all alone, waging a relentless war in search of perfection, single-handed!
ASA was there in the Chennai Pen show, it was natural; that the crowd was rooting for the local Chennai boy. His double-sized table hogged the prime position bang opposite the entrance and, needless to say, was always thronged by a crowd of fountain pen fanatics. ASA had all the popular models on display, that too in all their colours and finishes. Naturally, it was a delightfully time-consuming affair, going through the collection that the pen lovers just could not get enough of.
However, the ace that ASA and Subramanium pulled out from their sleeve (pen sleeve, if you may) was in the form of Shirsendu Bandyopadhyay. And what a revelation it was. Shirsendu Banyopadhyay needs no introduction to the community, being an old, certified aficionado. For the uninitiated, he is a techie based in Bangalore and has been a fountain pen fanatic for as long as one can remember. And what Shirsendu unveiled was something that was truly breathtaking.
He has used ASA fountain pens as canvases and created lacquer work on them - pieces that are aimed at creating Urushi-influenced art that is truly Indian in spirit and flesh. While the art forms resemble the time-tested Japanese techniques, the lacquer that has been used has not been sourced from Urushi plants but are from local, Indian plants. The techniques used - that of painting coats on the surface and then sandpapering them to reveal shades from underlying layers, curing, and drying of the surface before the next coat is applied, all follow stringent Japanese rules, though as the coating material is different, as is the weather condition (read humidity) the time taken are naturally different.
I know it is not fair to expect that what that Japanese have taken centuries to perfect, will be replicated effortlessly here in India, that too with the drop of a hat. In fact, it is not even right to use the term Urushi - as the art form of Urushi too, I firmly believe, is like Scotch and Champagne, area specific. But even then, the effort is commendable, especially in view of the fact that the Indian market is now witnessing a deluge of pens from China and Taiwan which are being hawked as authentic Urushi from Japan. The fact that Shirsendu Banyopadhyay is experimenting with Indian lacquers is not only laudable but also praiseworthy. And now the price - I find it to be very reasonable, especially in view of the effort involved and the uniqueness of the products.
As for the pens. What is there that I can say that you do not already know?
Wonderful Wonderful
Nice to see Mr. Subramaniam and his wife (A-A) and lovely pens, especially the classic ebonite matte black ones. The Chennai shows seems so amazing.
You are absolutely right with that Dorsal fin on the ebonite fountain pen, it is true that it's Rare and to my amaze you successfully done it in India. Amazing, Very Informative video.. wish you all the best ASA Pens, wish you all the success.
Stallion is using Montblanc fountain 🖋., so are his ministers. Displaying this pen in the shirt pocket is a trend now.
Just bought my first Asa pen "Nauka" from Pen Mohotsav 3.A wonderful writing instrument,writes like a dream❤
happy writing :)
Wonderful collection. All the best for ASA pens to soar
Thalaiva
Great to know about this pen and best wishes 👌👌👏👏
It makes me so happy to see a video pop up from you!
thank you : you made my day :)
দাদা, দারুণ হয়েছে।
thank u. thank u
I am a huge fan of ASA Nauka pen. I am using it happily.
Really glad to see Mr. Anand in this video.
Very nice quality of video sir.
You are doing a great job.
Your channel gives me immense pleasure.
Keep up the good work. Good wishes sir.
thank you for your kind words sir :) your words of encouragement keeps us going. thank you again.
Nice Video. Does it exist a way to see more (web site, insta etc...) about the work of Mr Bandyopadhyay. Quite interesting ! Thank you...
i have reqested him for more information. lets see?
Nice one Dada. Very informative and happy to know that our country is full of talent. You bring so much joy to our fountain pen lovers community. Keep up your good work.
thank you :)
Nice documentation! All the best..
Missing close up shots of these beauties!
i know. the fault is ours. apologies.
@@inkedhappiness don't apologise dada! Nothing like that but please do add some close up shots of the subject from different angles!
@@kkkall02 thank you, but i can appreciate your point, actuallym the photographer we had hired in chennai had somehow missed the closeup shots.lets see if i can meet the asa team again will shoot closeups for you :)