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Limited Edition
Dragonfly
Dragonflies are famous for their exceptional flying properties. As they only fly forward and never go backwards, they are considered as a lucky symbol in Japanese mythology representing endurance and perseverance. During the age of wars in Japan, Samurai used the design of dragonflies as an ornament for their ordnance.
There are five dragonflies vividly drawn on the beautiful background of the fountain pen barrel. This background depicts ‘Tsugigami”, a traditional Japanese paper made by connecting various pieces of paper. The image of the dragonfly is created by using many different Maki-e techniques such as Raden, Byakutan-nuri, Kawarinuri and Togidashi-Taka-Maki-e.

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.
The “Japanese Umbrella” is a masterpiece that combines the craftsmanship of Pelikan Germany based on 180 years of tradition and technology coupled with superior Japanese traditional Maki-e painting techniques. Each pen has the Pelikan logo on the crown, a limited edition number and the artist’s signature drawn in by hand using Maki-e techniques. The “Japanese Umbrella” is limited to an edition of 123 pieces worldwide. Each fountain pen is equipped with an 18 carat, two-tone gold nib and is encased in a traditional Japanese pen box made of paulownia wood.