For aficionados of fountain pens, the phrase "Made in Taiwan" has become synonymous with "Anticipate a unique and extraordinary experience." These enthusiasts thrive on the unconventional, and Opus 88, a company that has been crafting pens for others since 1988, has now stepped into the limelight with its own original designs. Their focus? Those of us who possess a passion for fountain pens and an appreciation for the exceptional.

Enter the Opus 88 Koloro, a pen that exudes a dash of elegant panache.

With medium proportions, it strikes a balance between form and function. The primary barrel and a section of the cap are transparent, allowing a clear view of the ink reservoir within. Say goodbye to unexpected ink depletion! Additionally, this design choice offers a peek at the nib even when the pen is capped. The blind cap and two segments of the cap are meticulously crafted from ebonite, introducing a truly distinctive aesthetic. This material boasts a subtle, marbled pattern that imparts a semblance of granite-like allure. The interplay of textures between the subdued matte ebonite and the glossy resin enhances the pen's tactile allure, making it a pleasure to hold.

While the filling mechanism employed by these pens isn't entirely novel—in fact, it harks back to earlier times—it remains an uncommon sight in contemporary pens. At first glance, one might mistake them for piston fillers or even vacuum fillers, but in reality, they are eyedropper pens. More precisely, they fall within the category often dubbed 'Japanese Eyedroppers,' even though their origin isn't Japanese. These pens don't autonomously draw ink into the barrel; you'll need to employ an eyedropper (or syringe, if you prefer) to transfer ink from the bottle to the pen's reservoir.

But what about the piston-like apparatus? It functions as a valve, effectively sealing off the ink supply just above the nib. Why? For one, this design confers a level of safety during transport. In the event of jostling, only the ink already present in the feed can potentially seep into the cap. Moreover, this mechanism addresses a prevalent concern with eyedropper pens. With a substantial amount of ink and air coexisting within the barrel, the heat from your hand can trigger a minor expulsion of ink through the nib, onto the page. This phenomenon primarily occurs when the pen contains air, not when it's fully inked. However, should this issue arise, you can simply close the valve, reopening it only when you need to replenish the ink in the feed.

In practical usage, loosening the valve slightly before embarking on extended writing sessions suffices, and post-use, securing it ensures ink containment and safeguards against any potential mishaps. Even for impromptu notes, the ink already present in the feed proves sufficient, causing no unnecessary delay.

Presented in an elegant gift box, complete with a glass eyedropper for your convenience.

The Opus 88 Koloro features chrome details and a stainless steel #5 JoWo Extra Fine nib.