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Pilot Kiri Kinzan
Here we have an example of one of the harder to find Pilot Maki-e pens. The pen is the Elite style, from the 1960's. But what makes the pen unusual is the abstract design. One of the hardest techniques for maki-e artists to master is gradiation. Urushi lacquer is applied to the pens with a brush, but it is nothing like paint. It is much more like thick sryup. Colors can not be mixed like paint so the only way to create a gradiation technique is with the concentration of sprinkled gold dust. Making one of these triangles is not so difficult, but making all of them match is insanely difficult. Some maki-e artists never master this technique. The triangle pattern is a historically important one to the Japanese, It has appeared on ancient kimonos that are over a thousand years old, but there are some differences of opinion on what it is supposed to symbolize. One group, mainly bhudist priests, say that this design represents mountains in the misty clouds. Another group, the Shinto monks, say that this design symbolizes Koi scales, which are a sign of strength and good health. The pen is perfectly mint. Never been inked or dipped, and still has the original price tag. The nib is a 14K fine point with the doubble breather hole. I use similar pens in my writing rotations, and I can assure you that these are some of the best writing pens you will ever find. $1,200 SOLD |
