Namiki Emperor - Rabbit in Moonlight

Rabbit and moon is closely related in Chinese folk legend.

Namiki Nippon Art - Crane and Turtle

鶴千年, 亀万年。
As the Crane one thousand year, the tortoise ten thousand years

...this is an old Japanese saying describing the symbols of youth and old age (long life), Tsuru (crane) and Kame (turtle).

Maki-e Pen Meet

A friend of has bought a Namiki Snowy Egret and wanted to compare with my  years old Snowy to see what's the difference.

Namiki - Emperor Goldfish

In 2009, Namiki have made some changes to it's Emperor collection. A few pieces are discontinued. And 2 new designs are introduced. The Carp in Waterfall was replaced by the Emperor Goldfish.

This pen is unlike all previous Emperor pen design.

Namiki - Hummingbirds

I have mention previously that in 2004 Namiki launch a new series of maki-e pens. They discontinued almost all of their old Yukari range except this piece.

They did the right thing as this is one beautiful piece of artwork.

Various Techniques of Maki-e

Maki-e is a unique art form of sowing gold and silver powder on contour lines drawn with sticky Urushi lacquer to form elaborate designs. Numerous techniques are employed in the process. The depth of color improves with each additional layer of lacquer.  It takes several months to produce just one Maki-e pen.

The rich reflected glow of gold and silver powders imparts a powerful impression, and a world of exquisite beauty leaps forth from the powerful design portrayal. This level of art requires a long tradition of inherited master skills.

Namiki - Snowy Egret

In 2004 Namiki launch a new series of maki-e pens for their entire range. They had discontinued most of the old design.

A new range is added - Yukari Royale.

Dunhill Namiki - Crane and Pine Tree

The crane and pine tree are traditional Japanese designs that represent the blessings of a long and healthy life.

The white lacquer used on the crane turn yellowish as it age. It is not possible to retain white color in lacquer. This is the reason why sometime egg shells are used to represent white. But maki-e pen with egg shells are rare.

Namiki - Fighting Cocks

This pen is the crown in my collection.

There are 2 fighting cocks facing each other. One on the cap, the other on the barrel.

Namik - Three Winged Birds

This 3 Winged Birds is my first maki-e pen.

Namiki Goldfish

This is my first post. It's going to be long.

This goldfish pen is rather rare these days. But in 2001, it has been on the display shelve of the shop for months. at that time, there aren't many maki-e pen collectors.