Namiki Nippon Art Maki-e Fountain Pens Overview

Namiki Nippon Art Maki-e fountain pens combine the complex techniques of the Hira Maki-e technique with traditional Japanese fables and symbolism. The classic design of the fountain pen body is the perfect canvas for the incredible artistic details and the fascinating themes depicted on each pen. This marriage of artistry, symbolism, and functionality creates a writing instrument that is both beautiful and useful.

These fountain pens are created by a collaboration of artisans, collectively referred to as the Kokkokai. Urushi lacquer is applied to the pen bodies, followed by an outline of the designs. Gold and silver powder, among other precious metal powders, is used to fill in the design and create the stunning depictions seen on the pen. Additional layers of urushi lacquer are applied and left to dry. Finally, the pen is expertly polished, resulting in a stunningly detailed work of art.

Each Namiki Nippon Art Maki-e fountain pen comes complete with a 14kt gold nib. The outline of Mt. Fuji can be seen on the nib, as well as the Namiki branding. They are smooth writing nibs, perfect for penning your next novel or simply signing your name.

The Namiki Nippon Art Maki-e fountain pens use a Con-70 filling mechanism. This
vacuum filling method allows for a large ink capacity, ideal for long
writing sessions. Watch this video on how to expertly fill a Con-70 converter.

At Goulet Pens, we are pleased to be carrying four different types of Nippon Art fountain pens. Each has a different story and symbolic meaning, but all are stunning and functional works of art.

Namiki Nippon Art Chinese Phoenix

The Chinese Phoenix has held a place of esteem throughout the ages. A symbol of heaven's grace, virtue, and favor, it is seen in countless works of Japanese art. Aptly associated with the element of fire, it can also represent of the union of yin and yang. Like the mythical western phoenix, the Chinese Phoenix is said to be immortal, dying a fiery death and then rising again from the ashes.

The Namiki Nippon Art Maki-e Chinese Phoenix is available with a fine or medium nib.

Namiki Nippon Art Crane and Turtle

The Crane and Turtle is a Japanese fable. A turtle and two cranes lived at a river bend and were good friends. A drought came to the area and the river dried up. The cranes were able to fly away and find new water, but the turtle was not so lucky. The Cranes offered to fly the turtle away by carrying a stick in their mouths, while the turtle clamped on to the stick. They warned the turtle not to open his mouth, or he would fall. He heartily agreed. In this manner, they took off for a new river bend to make their home. However, as they were flying over a rice paddy, the turtle opened his mouth to greet the laborers and plummeted to his death. The moral of the story? Those who do not listen to their friends suffer the consequences.

The Namiki Nippon Art Crane and Turtle is available in fine and medium nibs.

Namiki Nippon Art Maki-e Dragon with Cumulus

The dragon of good luck in Japan is called Fuku Riu. While Western dragons are often portrayed as fire breathing beasts bent on destruction, Japanese dragons are often seen as benevolent and even lucky creatures. The happy dragon ascending into the clouds represents good luck and abundance.

The Namiki Nippon Art Maki-e Dragon with Cumulus fountain pen is available in fine and medium nib sizes.

Namiki Nippon Art Golden Pheasant

The Golden Pheasant is a native bird of China, where it is admired for its beauty. It is a striking animal with feathers of golden red. In Japan, it is often depicted as the ambassador of the sun goddess. Like the phoenix, it is seen as a symbol of male energy and associated with fire and life force.

The Namiki Nippon Art Golden Pheasant fountain pen is available in fine and medium nibs.