Vintage Makie Japanese Eye Dropper Identification. Swan Ideal

February 23, 2016

Hi, So I made a post in the general Section and some suggested I post here. It is a early Japanese Eye dropper and appears to be an early example of Makie, though in rather Rough condition. It is a Swan Ideal From Japan with a 14k nib. The seller claims it is from pre-1920s though the feed leads me to believe it is from the 1930's. I have done quite a bit of research and found a few threads on Japanese swans on this forum and in other places, but there is not much info readily available on these types of pens. Anyways I just thought I would share it, any other info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and Have a great Day.

February 24, 2016

Also can anyone suggest some one who does urushi restoration?

February 24, 2016

1920s is indeed a possibility I don't think 1930s would see gold as Japan was at war with China...

Urushi Restoration is a tricky business I'm not sure if there are any americans actually willing to go under such training it would be best to send it to somewhere in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture the Urushi Capital of Japan...

but perhaps Ernest Shinn might be a good lead he's in america right?

Edited February 24, 2016 by Algester

February 24, 2016

Pen is from 1950s. One can tell from design of feed and section. Swan company existed before the war. Not clear if same company after war.

Algester: You, of all people, should know by now. You have been here for some time.

There is nothing to restore. There is too much wear.

Assuming the wear was minimal, some very minor touch-up can be performed.

Difficulties include matching the browned original urushi, applying it seamlessly (one needs to remove existing), and accurately matching the color of the design.

From my computer screen, the design appears screened.

I know of one company in Kyoto that does urushi repair to very very valuable museum quality pieces. Even they will not guarantee a match.

Prices fall in the astronomical category as many of their repairs are for museums.

I have not heard of anyone in Wajima doing these level of repairs.

Wajima. Ahh, Wajima. Nice place. Visited several shops and museum. Had wonderful dialogue with leading chinkin expert.

Wajima is not a mystical Oz-like where urushi wizardry magically cures all that ails fountain pens.

It is a collection of artists and some do fountain pens.

Most would look at the pen, chuckle, and say no thank you. If really lucky, someone might refer you to someone else, and then to another, etc., and to someone who may eventually tell you to buy new pen.

The quality of the original urushi and design is cheap. Even if worthwhile, not worth repairing.

Moving on, where do you go. If you enjoy writing with the pen and have repaired the seal,have Ernest do a new design on the same body.

You can personalize it and have the feel of a pen that may have graced the hands of a great writer, actor, politician, or sports hero.

Good luck.

February 24, 2016

1920s is indeed a possibility I don't think 1930s would see gold as Japan was at war with China...
Urushi Restoration is a tricky business I'm not sure if there are any americans actually willing to go under such training it would be best to send it to somewhere in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture the Urushi Capital of Japan...
but perhaps Ernest Shinn might be a good lead he's in america right?

ooh thanks, I will Have to look into that, thanks for the info.

Pen is from 1950s. One can tell from design of feed and section. Swan company existed before the war. Not clear if same company after war.

Algester: You, of all people, should know by now. You have been here for some time.

There is nothing to restore. There is too much wear.
Assuming the wear was minimal, some very minor touch-up can be performed.
Difficulties include matching the browned original urushi, applying it seamlessly (one needs to remove existing), and accurately matching the color of the design.
From my computer screen, the design appears screened.

I know of one company in Kyoto that does urushi repair to very very valuable museum quality pieces. Even they will not guarantee a match.
Prices fall in the astronomical category as many of their repairs are for museums.
I have not heard of anyone in Wajima doing these level of repairs.

Wajima. Ahh, Wajima. Nice place. Visited several shops and museum. Had wonderful dialogue with leading chinkin expert.
Wajima is not a mystical Oz-like where urushi wizardry magically cures all that ails fountain pens.

It is a collection of artists and some do fountain pens.
Most would look at the pen, chuckle, and say no thank you. If really lucky, someone might refer you to someone else, and then to another, etc., and to someone who may eventually tell you to buy new pen.
The quality of the original urushi and design is cheap. Even if worthwhile, not worth repairing.

Moving on, where do you go. If you enjoy writing with the pen and have repaired the seal,have Ernest do a new design on the same body.
You can personalize it and have the feel of a pen that may have graced the hands of a great writer, actor, politician, or sports hero.

Good luck.

Yeah, I should have phrased my post better, I have no illusions that the design can be completely restored, more touchups as you suggested in order to simply prevent more wear than has already occured, although getting a new design is certainly a interesting proposition that I may have to look into the price of doing. I am going to assume that the pen in its current condition is not to valuable but since you seem knowledgeable if you could give a ballpark price estimate so I can gauge preservation cost and possibly a new design that would be extremely helpful.

Thanks for the info.

*Edit: Welp stan your suggestions have given me an idea that I don't think I'll be able to get out of my head. I plan on poking around for some one willing to work with me on this project but I kind of imagine almost like an almos kintsugi type of "restoration" in that the damage is what makes it beautiful. I am going to have to work on some designs/ ideas but I cant help but to think how cool a design would be to take advantage of the old art somehow. Not quite sure how yet but I want it.

Also through some wizardry google turned up another result for this pen from ebay canada, though the auction is closed so I cant find any info beside pre-1940s and 203$Cad in the listing.So that Gives me a ballpark at least. The thumbnail images it dredged up though are rather helpful, enjoy.

Edited February 24, 2016 by AustinJF

February 24, 2016

The photos show considerable UV degradation of the urushi. This cannot be repaired. If you wish to protect the pen as is, get some high quality clear lacquer from a hobby shop (not Home Depot) and go at it with an air brush.

The cap band needs replating. There is one guy in America I have trusted with my pens for this work.

As may have ascertained, the number of specialists at the top are far and few between.

February 24, 2016

while I agree I have been here for some time there is still much to learn... :X

February 24, 2016

while I agree I have been here for some time there is still much to learn... :X

I don't think anyone alive knows everything about urushi, there is just to much out there. I just got interested in urushi and recently began exploring the topic and boy is it a steep subject. Edited February 24, 2016 by AustinJF

February 24, 2016

This pen is Yo-no-bi af.

February 24, 2016

This pen is Yo-no-bi af.

Pardon my ignorance, but what is Yo-no-bi?

My search result turn up a design company and some database I can't access.

February 26, 2016

Pardon my ignorance, but what is Yo-no-bi?
My search result turn up a design company and some database I can't access.

It's hard to find, too, but it's a concept that beauty comes out of the function/form of an object.

http://kimkoningink.com/2015/06/12/yo-no-bi-finally-finding-zen-in-my-almost-every-day-hobonichi/

February 26, 2016

thats the Buddhist saying of Wabi Sabi

February 26, 2016

thats the Buddhist saying of Wabi Sabi

Beauty in imperfection which is pretty popular in Japan, as many would rather get a worn tea set with maybe a chip or two rather than a brand new pristine one as an example.

February 26, 2016

It's hard to find, too, but it's a concept that beauty comes out of the function/form of an object.
http://kimkoningink.com/2015/06/12/yo-no-bi-finally-finding-zen-in-my-almost-every-day-hobonichi/

Ahh, so a similar thought process behind Negoro Nuri, in that the wear is what makes it beautiful.