Description This Namiki Yukari Maki-e fountain pen in the Herb Decoration design was created by a collaboration of maki-e artists (Kokkokai) in Japan. It features the Togidashi-Hira Maki-e technique (burnished-raised maki-e), depicting an herbal decor. The fountain pen features a superb 18k nib that glides across the page effortlessly. The Namiki logo can be seen on the clip as well as on the nib, which also depicts an image of Mt. Fuji. The fountain pen comes in a nice softwood presentation box, and includes both a Con-70 converter and a bottle of ink to get you started writing with this gorgeous work of art. The Namiki Yukari Herb Decoration Fountain Pen features a design on the barrel made of raden inlay. Kusudama originate from ancient Japanese culture, where they were used for incense and potpourri; possibly originally being actual bunches of flowers or herbs. The word itself is a combination of two Japanese words kusuri, Medicine, and tama, Ball. They are now typically used as decorations, or as gifts. The Japanese kusudama is a paper model that is usually created by sewing multiple identical pyramidal units (usually stylized flowers folded from square paper) together through their points to form a spherical shape. Alternately the individual components may be glued together. Occasionally, a tassel is attached to the bottom for decoration. As always, the artists' signature in kanji is an integral part of the design and finished product. Maki-e is the centuries-old traditional Japanese art of adorning lacquer ware by applying multiple layers of lacquer, decorated with powders and flakes of gold, silver, and colored pigments, as well as thin slivers of abalone shell. The Maki-e artist begins the work with a drawing of the intended design, which is then transferred to the prepared lacquer surface. The task of transforming the outline drawing into a complex decoration of sprinkled powders is complex, lengthy, and requires years of study and practice, as well as steady hands and a great deal of patience. These pens are truly one-of-a-kind works of art, and they are warrantied for life by Namiki. Please note we are unable to accept a return of this pen for any reason once it has been inked.
