Retro 51 Tornado Smithsonian Bijutsukai Roller/ Ballpoint Pen

The art of this Tornado™ Rollerball pen comes from the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives and features art from the magazine Shin-Bijutsukai, published between 1901 and 1906. The colorful and abstract designs of the magazine are derived from early Japanese pattern books from the 1660s and reflect the historical and technological shifts in Japanese society.

They were influenced by Art Nouveau and Japonisme – the Western European fondness for Japanese aesthetics. Through its visually striking designs, Shin-Bijutsukai presented a mix of timeless themes and positioned itself as a groundbreaking force in Japanese art and design at the beginning of the 20th century. The Retro 51 Tornado Pen can easily be converted from rollerball to ballpoint by changing the refill.

The Retro 51 Tornado pens use a Retro 51 rollerball refill (included) or a standard international ballpoint refill. Retro 51 adheres to the motto: "Life is too short to carry an ugly pen!" The company is based in Dallas, Texas, and produces fashionable gift items that combine modern design with vintage quality.