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.

It was launched in 1996, the first Dunhill Namiki Limited Edition pen. This pen is limited to 200 pieces with the first 28 pieces come in a set with 3 other pens: “Quail, Balloonflower and Spearflower,” “Hare’s Foot Fern and Dewdrops,” and “Rakucho and Cherry Blossoms”. Rakucho is limited to 100 pieces, rarer than the other three pens.

Individual pens are presented in lacquered, ash wood cases with numbered certificate of authencity signed by Richard Dunhill, together with a crystal inkwell specially commissioned for this collection.

I started my pen collection in 2001. I thought it might be difficult to find these pens at that time. Not really. There are few maki-e pen collectors then. The "Quail" and "Hare's Foot Fern" are still available as they are less popular. As for the other two, they are rarely seen. I was lucky to be able to encounter this pen in 2004. It is my only Dunhill Namiki pen.