#maki-e pen

[aplimitededitions]

The Artistry of Maki-e Fountain Pens: A Guide to Understanding and Appreciating the Tradition

Maki-e is a traditional Japanese art form that involves decorating various objects, including fountain pens, using lacquer and metallic powders. The technique is known for its intricate designs and stunning visual appeal, making it a favorite among collectors and pen enthusiasts. In this blog, we'll explore the history, techniques, and beauty of maki-e fountain pens.

A Brief History of Maki-e:

Maki-e has a rich history dating back to the Heian period (794-1185) in Japan. The art form was initially used to decorate lacquerware and other household items, but eventually made its way to fountain pens in the 20th century. Today, maki-e fountain pens are highly sought after for their unique designs and craftsmanship.

Techniques Used in Maki-e Fountain Pens:

The maki-e technique involves applying layers of lacquer to the pen and then sprinkling metallic powders on top. The powders are then fixed in place with another layer of lacquer. The process is repeated until the desired design is achieved. Maki-e artists use a variety of tools, including fine brushes and stencils, to create intricate patterns and details.

Designs and Themes:

Maki-e fountain pens can feature a wide variety of designs and themes. Some popular motifs include landscapes, animals, and traditional Japanese symbols. Some artists also incorporate gold and silver leaf into their designs for an added touch of luxury. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to maki-e fountain pens, making each piece truly unique and one-of-a-kind.

Maki-e fountain pens are a true work of art, combining the traditional Japanese art form of maki-e with the functionality of a fountain pen. The intricate designs and stunning visual appeal make them a favorite among collectors and pen enthusiasts. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned collector, maki-e fountain pens are a beautiful addition to any collection.

[whatsinmypen]

New Pen Day!

Got this beaut from my mother for Christmas, straight from Japan! I still have no idea what I'm going to ink it with, but I was thinking maybe something orange/red, bright and lively.

This is my first Maki-e pen, and if you're thinking of dipping your toes into this style of pen, the Platinum Classic (or Standard, I don't know yet if there's a difference between the two) might be a good way to get started. These pens use a modern technique with involves some automation -- if I've got it right the designs can be printed directly onto the pen, which makes them MUCH more affordable than the hand-painted designs that sell for several thousands of dollars (one can dream!)

I know very little about this process,l, so I'm excited to do more research and dig a little deeper into this style of pen. They've always caught my eye at pen shows and I'm really happy I get to try a new Platinum.

[goldenstorm0]

hey real quick appreciate this cool pen of mine I rank it maybe 4th coolest

[forgottenbones]

Pilot 100th Anniversary Bishamonten - Unboxing & First Impressions!

[my-my-my]

Happy fountain pen day!!

I only recently got into this hobby a few months ago, but I’m really happy with my collection so far! My Platinum Sakura maki-e pen and Sailor Shikiori pens remain my favourite, but my TWSBI Eco and Kaweco Sport are workhorses fr.

Regarding inks: Sailor Shikiori Shito-shito was my first bottle of ink ever (and remains one of my favourites). Wearingeul’s Sedna, Colorverse’s Grand Prism, and TAG Stationery’s Kyo no Oto No. 13 Seiheki, are the newest in my collection! All purchased at Scriptus, Toronto’s very own pen show 😊 (of the 3 new inks, Seiheki is my favourite, but it’s not particularly fountain pen friendly!).

(And yes, I do love teals and turquoises…)

[japanese-plants]

Maki-e lacquer fountain pen with oriental bittersweet and white-eye design 高蒔絵万年筆 蔓梅擬目白

[petermorwood]

The following is, according to @dduane,"Old man shakes fist at unpleasing-and-overpriced-pen-shaped cloud," so YMMV about any or all of it. :->

*****

As anyone who reads my blog will know, I'm interested in - among other things - history, movies, fantasy, cats and fountain pens, all of which get at least a mention in this post..

That's probably why, a couple of years back, a friend pointed me at a Montegrappa Limited Edition pen. Of course he may just have been curious to hear my reaction, and believe me, he certainly did. This post is the short version. :->

*****

The other day I saw it again, and was even more... Whatever the diametric opposite of "impressed" is, because mere "unimpressed" doesn't pack enough punch.

That Viking longship is both a display stand and a storage box, and I already knew the figure is the pen. Despite being described as "a perfect reproduction of a Norse soldier in miniature", historical Vikings didn't dress like that. There's plenty of evidence proving historical Vikings didn't dress like that. And yet...

IMO it's just ugly.

It's also $16,348 at current Rate of Exchange, so Expensive and ugly.

There's a gold version too, which on the website is "price by request", so I went looking elsewhere and here's what I found.

That converts to $224,959.82, so Way More Expensive.

And still ugly.

Some pages of the Montegrappa website are like a glimpse into the lifestyles of the Rich and Tasteless, showing a skewed talent for making expensive things look gaudy and cheap.

Maybe they're a gilty pleasure. (ouch)

Their sensible pens, however, are much more appealing and way less expensive (though most are still far from cheap). This is the Magnifica.

This is the Elmo 02 in "Croda Rossa".

And this is the Venetia in "Vintage Conifer".

I like them because they're shaped like what they're meant to be, as well as looking comfortable to hold and use. The Venetia is especially attractive. If King Thranduil of the Wood-Elves used a fountain pen, it would be one like that.

*****

Nakaya pens are also at the understated other end of the style-scale to exuberant, extravagant or execrable "Limited Edition" stuff, and here are three of my favourites.

"Cigar decapod twist" kuro-tamenuri (black top lacquer over red base lacquer)...

..."Cigar decapod twist" aka-tamenuri (solid dark red over red)...

...and "Cigar" tamesukashi neko (translucent dark red over red and maki-e gold cat)...

...which is a bit more elaborate, but no need to guess why I like it. :->

*****

They are a dream I have.

Because yeah, they're expensive too.

But dreams cost nothing. :->

[thatgirlmandy]

My current fountain pen rotation + rickshaw zipper pouch.

Left to right

Sailor Compass 1911 Fountain Pen - Medium Fine Nib - Transparent Olive

Platinum Preppy Wa Modern Maki-e Fountain Pen - Kachimushi - 03 Fine Nib - Limited Edition

Sailor Pro Gear Fountain Pen - Winter Sky - 21k Broad Nib - Limited Edition

+ Rickshaw Sinclair Model R Pen Case - Yuki Cat

Hobonichi A6 Cover Tomitaro Makino: Koshinso

[nezumidoll]

I am getting ridiculously nerdy about fountain pens again.

If I could go back, I would like only buy Platinum pens. They are the perfect instrument for me. I have Preppys, I have the Procyon, some of the clear models and the Maki-e. I have never seen or held such a perfect pen as the Maki-e.

Why oh why do I have to work

[penhero]

This is a Classic Pens LS series prototype with a samurai design c. 2001-2005.  The Lambrou Sunami LS Collection was launched in 2001 as artwork done on Parker Duofold Centennial pens and each was a very small edition of about 15 pens in successive designs. The first pen was the LS1 Kirara (geometric) in 2001. That design comprises more than 1,000 individual strips of blue pearl and pure gold by Maki-E master Tatsuya Tōdō. The final pen in the series was the LS12 Shimarisu (chipmunks), released in 2004 with artwork by Maki-E master Shogetsu Mitani. The samurai design shown here is on a Pelikan fountain pen, a prototype for a proposed series of 15 pens. This design was also prototyped on the Parker Duofold Centennial.

Read the story about this interesting pen here:

[aplimitededitions]

Discover the Magic of Maki-e: Fountain Pens as Art

What is Maki-e?

Maki-e is a traditional Japanese lacquer art that dates back to the Heian period (794-1185). The term "Maki-e" translates to "sprinkled picture," referring to the technique of sprinkling gold or silver powder onto lacquer. This meticulous art form is used to decorate a variety of objects, with fountain pens being one of the most exquisite applications.

The Intricate Craft of Maki-e Fountain Pens

Creating a Maki-e fountain pen is an elaborate and time-consuming process. The pen body, often made from high-quality materials such as ebonite or resin, serves as the canvas. Artists apply multiple layers of lacquer, allowing each layer to cure before proceeding.

The real magic happens during the decoration phase. Skilled artisans use fine brushes to paint intricate designs, often inspired by nature, mythology, or traditional Japanese motifs. Gold, silver, and sometimes mother-of-pearl are sprinkled onto the wet lacquer to create shimmering, detailed images. Once the design is complete, the pen undergoes a final polishing to enhance the luster and depth of the artwork.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

Each Maki-e fountain pen carries a deep cultural significance, often depicting themes and symbols that are central to Japanese heritage. For instance, a pen decorated with cranes might symbolize longevity and good fortune, while one with waves could represent resilience and the relentless force of nature. These symbols not only add beauty to the pens but also infuse them with a sense of history and meaning.

Collecting Maki-e Fountain Pens

Maki-e fountain pens are more than writing instruments; they are collectible art pieces. Due to the labor-intensive process and the high level of skill required to produce them, these pens are often produced in limited quantities. Collectors and enthusiasts value them for their unique designs, craftsmanship, and the stories they tell through their art. Each pen is a testament to the artist's skill and a piece of Japanese cultural heritage.

A Fusion of Art and Functionality

Maki-e fountain pens seamlessly blend artistry with functionality, making them cherished by both writers and art lovers alike. They are a testament to the timeless appeal of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, offering a unique way to appreciate the beauty of Maki-e art in everyday life. Whether used for writing or displayed as a piece of art, Maki-e fountain pens continue to captivate and inspire.

[goldenstorm0]

good thing of the day: completely forgot that work gives out these christmas bonuses through this weird system. It's through one of those point systems, there was a similar one at staples but it was never used because the points cost basically nothing there and the selection was dismal. but with this one... it's actually worth something.......

yes I am buying a pen

[eggbunni]

📸 Stationery photo dump while I work this week on a new Maki-e design for a private client. ✒️✨

Slide 1: The very therapeutic process of pen disassembly and cleaning. To the right is my basic repair and maintenance kit. It holds ink cartridges, nibs, silicon grease, piston wrenches, cotton swabs for cleaning, and loose converters.

Slide 2: My favorite Pilot Custom 823 pen, emptied of Pilot Iroshizuku Yama-Budo ink. Always satisfying to completely empty a pen, especially one with this capacity using a fine nib! I won’t be cleaning it as I plan to refill it with the same ink. :)

Slide 3: Test sheets from working with a new pen, nib, and ink combo, now in the trash, as I have no further need for them. Feels like such a waste since the paper is so nice (and expensive).

Slide 4: Notebooks with various types of testing paper strewn about as I work to adjust the nib and feed on my Kaweco to write wetter (you can see a tutorial of this on my YT!).

[my-my-my]

My growing fountain pen collection 😌

From left to right:

Kaweco Perkeo <M> in Teal Breezy

Lamy Safari <B> in Umbra

Platinum Kanazawa gold leaf maki-e <M> in Sakura Fubuki (Cherry blossom blizzard)

Sailor Pro Gear Slim, Shikiori series <MF> in Orihime (Vega)

Kaweco Sport <M> in Iridescent Pearl

TWSBI Eco <M> in Smoke & Rose Gold

Sailor Pro Gear Slim, Shikiori series <MF> in Ryugujo (Dragon palace)

My ink collection is still bigger hahaha.

[wellappointeddesk]

Fountain Pen Review: Platinum Preppy Wa Modern Maki-e Fountain Pen

Often, as fountain pen collectors, we get wrapped up in finding our grail pen. That perfect balance of aesthetics and exquisite writing ability that will make it our favorite pen ever. Or we get caught up in FOMO (fear of missing out) and purchase pens that are all the rage. Sometimes it’s nice to go back to some basics and see what’s out there. When I started with fountain pens several year ago,…

[nobully]

[ reassure ] uvu

the  intimacy  of  hands. | [ reassure ] – for the sender’s muse to place their hand over the receiver���s in a moment of stress and squeeze reassuringly.

Surely, somewhere out there, Wang Yi thinks to himself, Nicolette's having the same problem.

He stares at the assortment of items for sale in the stationery store and gives a long sigh. Sure, buying writing utensils is a no brainer for a scholar, but he knows better than to just give a bundle of pens. The more you honed your craft, the more sensitive you were about details. Zhilan's not the type to openly voice his complaints about anything, but damn if Wang Yi wasn't going to get him something he enjoyed writing with.

For one thing, the Liyuen script Zhilan's familiar with best has intricate characters, so he'd definitely prefer something with a thinner tip. 0.7 or 0.5mm both seem too thick, especially with how many notes the scholar can take in one session, so he looks for 0.4mm or less. 0.38mm is typically the sweet spot, but Zhilan has a few pens like that already, so he should aim for something slightly different...

Wang Yi's spent the good part of an hour staring down the pen selections (turning down three offers of help from store employees along the way) before his eyes trail over to the fountain pens. Of course, he'd used one in school too—but it was one of those cheaper models with disposable ink cartridges. He remembers that Zhilan's more used to a brush and might find the Western equivalent interesting—but if that was the case, he wants to buy him something nice.

A good fountain pen could last for years, if not generations. Plenty of modern high-end models used cartridges as well, so Zhilan wouldn't have to worry about carrying around bottles of ink. He could also get a mix of permanent and water-based ones, depending on how durable the guy wanted his notes. His eyes skim past the models, skipping past the ones with unnecessary bling for something practical and classy.

Not this one...not that one either...

This one has brass, that's too heavy...that other one's too showy...

And then he spots it: the perfect mix of past and present, a fountain pen with a retractable nib, its body adorned with neat stripes of traditional mother-of-pearl maki-e that glimmer in the light. The body is a little fatter than he expected, but he realizes the girth might be more comfortable for a guy used to holding brushes and besides—it's lightweight enough not to be a bother.

Wang Yi takes a closer look at the sticker on its side and blanches.

What the hell is this price tag?!

He bursts out the doors of the shop the next second, fingers tapping furiously on his phone. Whatever, there were ways to get this without breaking the bank...too much.

***

On the morning of Zhilan's birthday, he holds out the neatly wrapped box to his friend and clears his throat nervously.

' So I got you this pen—not just any one I mean, but a fountain pen. The tip's retractable so you can store it when not in use—plus it comes with a pen holder, so you don't have to worry if you drop it by accident. There's instructions for changing the ink inside if you've never used one before. '

' It's a brand I've seen in my world...their quality's solid and I picked a F nib on purpose so you can write really fine lines. It's also really smooth but...um... '

He shuffles in place and looks away.

' It's not new, though this one's barely used! I, I tested it to make sure it was working before I packed it. But uh, if you don't like it I'll get you something else... '

The words trail off. There's a hand resting over his own, which Wang Yi realizes have tensed around the box so much that they're wrinkling the wrapping paper.

' Sh—shoot, I didn't mean to crush it, uh— '

"Wang Yi." Zhilan's soft voice brings him back to reality, and he looks up like a guilty schoolboy caught breaking the rules.

' Y-yeah? '

"It's okay." Zhilan smiles at him and squeezes. You're okay.

And with that, Wang Yi relaxes until his fingers uncurl around the box, until he sees Zhilan accept it from his hands, until the scholar's unwrapped the thing and holding up his new pen to the light. The raden bands sparkle just like he'd hoped they would under the sun.

He exhales and finally breaks into a smile.

' Happy Birthday, Xiao Lan. '