AP Limited Editions Writer Maki-e & Chinkin Fountain Pen - The Chimpanzee
U.S. Orders:
- Free Shipping: We offer free shipping for all U.S. orders over $20, including Alaska and Hawaii.
- Standard Shipping Fee: For U.S. orders below $20, a flat shipping fee of $5.99 will be applied.
International Orders:
- Shipping Rates: International shipping rates are calculated based on the weight of the package and the destination country.
- Exclusions: Currently, we do not offer shipping to Russia and South Africa.
Please note that shipping times may vary depending on the destination and other factors beyond our control. Customs duties, taxes, and any additional fees associated with international shipments are the responsibility of the customer.
- Returns can be initiated by clicking the link here.
- Return Period: Customers may return items within 7 days of order delivery.
- Refunds: A full refund will be issued for returned items.
- Condition of Return: To be eligible for a refund, the item must be returned in its original condition, including all original boxes and packaging.
- Restocking Fee: For used items or items missing their original packaging, a 20% restocking fee will be applied.
- Refund Method: Refunds will be processed using the original form of payment.
- Return Shipping: Customers are responsible for the shipping costs associated with the return, unless the return is due to a product defect or an error on our part.
- Return Process: To initiate a return, please contact our customer service team with your order details and the reason for return. Once the return is approved, you will receive further instructions on how to proceed.
- Refund Processing Time: Please allow up to 7 business days for the refund to be processed after we receive the returned item.
U.S. Orders:
- Free Shipping: We offer free shipping for all U.S. orders over $20, including Alaska and Hawaii.
- Standard Shipping Fee: For U.S. orders below $20, a flat shipping fee of $5.99 will be applied.
International Orders:
- Shipping Rates: International shipping rates are calculated based on the weight of the package and the destination country.
- Exclusions: Currently, we do not offer shipping to Russia and South Africa.
AP Limited Editions Writer Fountain Pen – The Chimpanzee (Maki-e & Chinkin) – Limited Edition
The AP Limited Editions Writer The Chimpanzee Fountain Pen is a powerful and expressive example of Japanese lacquer artistry, bringing together two of the most demanding traditional techniques: maki-e and chinkin. Limited to just 18 pieces worldwide, this work stands as a rare convergence of technical mastery and artistic storytelling.
At the heart of the design is a striking portrait of the chimpanzee—rendered with remarkable depth, intelligence, and presence. This is not simply decoration, but a composition built through layered urushi techniques that capture both form and emotion.
The maki-e process forms the foundation of the artwork. Fine powders of gold and other precious materials are meticulously applied across multiple layers of lacquer, creating soft gradations, tonal transitions, and a luminous surface that interacts beautifully with light. The result is a depth that gives the subject a lifelike quality, with subtle highlights and shadowing that evolve as the pen is viewed from different angles.
Enhancing this is the use of chinkin, where delicate lines are hand-carved directly into the cured lacquer and then filled with gold. This technique adds precision and structure—defining contours, refining textures, and bringing clarity to the composition. The interplay between the softness of maki-e and the sharp definition of chinkin creates a level of dimensionality that is rarely achieved in modern pen design.
The chimpanzee itself is depicted with a quiet intensity, its expression thoughtful and composed. Every detail—from the texture of the fur to the subtle shaping of the face—reflects the patience and discipline of the artisan. It is a piece that invites closer inspection, revealing more with every glance.
The Writer silhouette provides a balanced and elegant form, offering the ideal canvas for this level of artistic detail while maintaining comfort and usability. Beneath the surface, the pen is fitted with a finely tuned 14k gold nib, available in Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, or Broad, delivering a smooth and controlled writing experience.
With only 18 pieces produced, this pen exists beyond conventional limited editions. It represents a deliberate and highly refined expression of craftsmanship—where traditional techniques are applied at the highest level to create something truly enduring.
Key Features
- Limited Edition of just 18 pieces worldwide
- Combination of maki-e and chinkin techniques
- Detailed chimpanzee portrait motif
- Multi-layer natural urushi lacquer construction
- Hand-applied gold powders and carved gold-filled detailing
- Writer silhouette for balanced form and presence
- 14k gold nib (Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Broad)
- Cartridge/Converter filling system
- Handcrafted in Japan
Why We Love It
This is a piece that feels alive with detail and intention. The combination of maki-e and chinkin brings both softness and precision to the artwork, allowing the subject to emerge with remarkable depth. It’s the kind of pen that draws you in—the more time you spend with it, the more it reveals.
