Pelikan Dragon maki-e by Yoshiaki Nitta Fountain pen L.E. 2023

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Pelikan Dragon maki-e by Yoshiaki Nitta.

The Pelikan Maki-e “Dragon” fountain pen is a masterpiece that combines the craftsmanship of Pelikan Germany, based on 185 years of tradition and technology, with the superior techniques of traditional Japanese Maki-e painting. Each Souverän M1000 fountain pen is made in Germany and then decorated in Japan. Each pen features the Pelikan logo on the crown, a limited edition number and the artist’s signature hand-drawn using Maki-e techniques. The “Dragon”, released in 2023, is available in a limited edition of only 123 pieces worldwide. Each fountain pen is equipped with a finely chiselled 18K two-tone gold nib and is presented in a traditional Japanese paulownia wood case.

The ascending dragon heading towards the heavens and the descending dragon from the heavens are considered auspicious motifs. In particular, as the dragon is said to ascend to the heavens and obtain the treasure ball, the descending dragon is depicted holding the treasure ball. The treasure ball is said to be a sacred jade that can cure illnesses, prevent disasters, and make all kinds of wishes come true. In the fountain pen, the treasure ball was made with the Raden technique, using small particles of abalone shell. The dragon is surrounded by the golden lights of the storm and in the background is Mount Fuji, where the storm began

Maki-e is a complex art of Japanese lacquer painting and is famous for its beauty and artistry. Maki-e is often combined with other techniques, such as the Japanese Raden. In the Maki-e process, the rare Japanese Urushi lacquer is applied to the fountain pen in multiple layers that are repeatedly polished. The design is drawn with colored lacquer on the surface. This technique is called Togidashi-Maki-e.

Additionally, the artist can mix charcoal powder and gold powder into the lacquer, so that the drawing of the design rises above the surface: If you slide your thumb over the paint, you will notice the difference. This is called Taka-Maki-e technique. The Pelikan “Dragon” fountain pen uses the Togidashi-Taka-Maki-e technique, which combines Togidashi-Maki-e and Taka-Maki-e. The dragon is a highly significant legendary spiritual mythical creature in Chinese mythology, appearing in East Asian myths, ornaments, artwork, and architecture. The dragon is a powerful symbol and is considered the source of all power and is often used as a symbol of Chinese emperors. The dragon summons storm clouds and thunder, turns into a tornado, rises into the sky and flies freely. It lurks in the abyss in autumn and rises to the skies in spring.