Maki-e fountain pens are some of the most lovely and some of the most sought after fountain pens in the world. Modern examples, often with machine applied artwork may be found for under $100, but antique examples of maki-e fountain pens from before World War II are very hard to find, and high quality examples can fetch astronomical prices.
In Japan, fountain pen collectors are scarce. Fountain pens were not introduced into Japan until the early 1900's, and before that only brush pens were used for writing. Consequently, fountain pens are typically ignored by Japanese collectors. Just not part of the culture. How many Westreners do you know who collect Japanese gold coins? See what I mean? But at the same time, maki-e collectors are everywhere in Japan.
In the west the term "maki-e" is nearly synomonous with pens, but maki-e lacquer artwork was in practice hundreds of years before fountain pens were developed. maki-e collectors tend to target inro, and other ancient boxes and the like. But a maki-e pen, would be grabbed up by them just as fast.
What this means is that I can often find old Japanese pens, but I can only rarely find Japanese maki-e pens, even here in Japan. But when I do find a maki-e pen at a good price, it makes the effort all worth while.
There are several good books out there that deal with maki-e fountain pens, and if you do not already have one, then you should start with one of these books before spending your money on an expensive pen. All of these books explain the techniques and methods involved to make these lovely maki-e pens. One point that I find irriatating about them is the areas about the artists. I have been working on a maki-e artist registry, so if you have a pen that is signed by an artist, but can't find that artist's name listed in any book, send me an e-mail, and I may be able to help you.
As always, none of these prices are set in stone, and I am always interested in trades or partial trades.
Thanks for looking