Each of these valuable fountain pens is a piece of art, masterfully crafted by use of the Maki-e technique. Maki-e is the art of Japanese lacquer painting and is renowned for its beauty and artistry. The number of pens is strictly limited.
Year
2019
Edition of 123 specimens
The umbrella was introduced from China to Japan during the Heian period (AD794-1185). At that time, the umbrella did not have the shape of today’s umbrella, but it looked like a canopy. It was only during the Azuchi Momoyama period (AD1573-1603) that it became possible to close the umbrella.
The traditional Japanese umbrella is made of natural material such as Japanese paper, bamboo, and wood. Thirty to Seventy bamboo bones are used to open and fairly spread the umbrella made of Japanese paper. When the umbrella is closed, it looks like a single rod with the paper folded inside the bones.
Today, the Japanese umbrella is rarely used. You will still see it at special events such as Kabuki and Japanese traditional dance shows, or as rental umbrellas at traditional Japanese inns in sightseeing spots in Japan.
There are four Japanese umbrellas drawn in Taka-Maki-e, using techniques such as raden and kirigane. Rain is expressed using many narrow pieces of mother-of-pearl. Each fountain pen has an 18-carat, two-tone gold nib and is encased in a traditional Japanese pen box made of paulownia wood.