A fountain pen produced in a limited edition of only 300 pieces by the Japanese writing instrument brand Namiki (owned by the pen giant Pilot), based on traditional Japanese decoration and ornamentation techniques. The pen was designed by the Kokkokai group, a collective of artists specializing in the Japanese Maki-e decoration technique (where images, letters, and objects are painted with lacquer on various surfaces, then sprinkled and set with metal powder), which was founded in 1931.
The pen’s body is adorned with illustrations of leaves and flowers of the Hagi plant (a type of Japanese clover) – one of the seven beloved spring flowers in Japanese tradition. This plant, which grows in the mountains and decorates many gardens across Asia, sprouts in the spring and reaches its peak bloom in early autumn with delicate, beautiful flowers. In Japanese belief, it symbolizes introspection and the ability to ward off evil spirits. The manufacturer envisioned that the pen would bring happiness to those who hold it.
The pen is painted using various Maki-e techniques, employing metal with red lacquer and silver and gold powder, creating the appearance of the thicket surrounding the plant. The nib is made of 18-karat gold, with a rhodium coating. The rhodium-coated part is designed to resemble the famous silhouette of Mount Fuji, which is sacred in Japanese tradition. Price: $1,800.
