Namiki Yukari Maki-e Pine Needles Raden Urushi Lacquer Fountain Pen 18k Nib

This Namiki Yukari fountain pen was released in November 2013 by a collaboration of maki-e artists (Kokkokai) in Japan. It features the Togidashi-Hira Maki-e technique (burnished-raised maki-e), depicting pine needles and branches. The pen has an 18k gold nib in size #10, fills via cartridge/converter (a CON-70 is included), and comes packaged in a wooden box with a bottle of ink.

The Yukari Collection vividly expresses the nature of the four seasons, which the Japanese have been familiar with since ancient items, by combining designs with various techniques such as Togidashi-Taka Maki-e (Burnished-Raised Maki-e) and Raden (Mother-of-Pearl). While being a size that can be carried and used every day, it harbors Japanese beauty down to the finest detail.

In Japan, the pine tree, or matsu, shares the same meaning as the Chinese and Korean pine trees. That is longevity, virtue and youth. They are also associated with masculinity and power. The word "matsu" means "waiting for the soul of a god to descend from Heaven" in Japanese. In the ancient Shinto beliefs, gods were said to have ascended to Heaven on a pine tree, where they now reside on a beautiful volcanic mountain in giant or old trees. Pine trees are associated with the New Year in Japan - so much so that many Japanese hang a bundle of pine twigs and bamboo trunks known as a Kado matsu (Gate pine) on their doors to receive a blessing from the gods. Pines are also used to mark the boundaries of the sacred ground of temples and shrines. Prior to the Edo period (1600-1867), pine trees and branches were a popular choice of decoration for samurai on their armor and katana due to all the associations with masculinity.

As these pens are truly one-of-a-kind pieces of art, they are warrantied for life by Namiki.

Fully working and ready to write. We are authorized retailers for Namiki, so this pen will come with a warranty from the manufacturer.

Comes fitted with an original Namiki 18K solid gold Medium (M) nib. Other nib sizes may be available - please inquire if you are looking for a different nib size, and we will do our best to accommodate!

Complete with all boxes and papers.