by Xi Lin

Created on: May 26, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Oriental Treasures

Originating from Mainland China, the Chika brand of mechanical pencils forever circulates within the hands of few Asian collectors. This rarity has created a culture and hierarchy of elite collectors; clubs and underground bargains proliferate this rich community. Under the pressure of bargains and the laws of supply and demand, a typical pencil today could sell for a minimum of 175 Chinese Yuan (25 dollars). These items are luminously designed for teens and feminine appeal. Many pencils are decorated with metallic imprints of popular Asian figures such as Hello Kitty and Cinnamoroll, and other generic designs depicting nature and animals.

I was unaware of such a miraculous community of Chika collectors before arriving at Kae Jeang's house. However, by analyzing the tone of her voice as she invited me to an interview, it was clear that these pencils are her most prized possessions. As she opened the door to her house, I still wondered what made these pencils so imperative to collect. She said "hello" and snapped me out of my lucid trance. When I walked through the vast and plain living room and saw nothing of significance, I began to silently question the legitimacy of her collection. Our journey led us into her giant bedroom. Ecstatically, she pulled my hand, causing me to lift up my head. Her treasure was there, nailed across a stretch of pink wall was the largest pencil case I had ever seen. It must have been at least two by six feet and was decorated with pink oil paints and white lily pad designs.

I eagerly motioned towards the glass, wanting to gain a mutual perspective of the Chika culture. She swiftly pulled my hand back and signaled that only she may touch the casing. I reluctantly obeyed and watched as she slowly turned the white pearl-shaped knob. There were sixty metallic locks inside, with each pair of two serving as straps for the front and back of the pencil. The bright green Hello Kitty pencil was unlocked and gently placed in my hand. Chills surged up my right arm as I came in contact with the cool metal. Holding the pencil in midair as I would with a compass, I listened intently as she explained the object's significance. She adored these pencils for their beauty, and I concurred that they were indeed gorgeous. Along with the metallic imprints of Asian characters, the Chika brand also replaced the eraser top with colorfully painted marble. The colors ranged from a mix of green and white, to purple and black, and to all different

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