Namiki Nippon - Recommendations Please

[TheInkSpot]

Hello all.

 

A long time follower, but never really got around to posting topics.

 

I have used fountain pens for over 20 years, and my favorite brands are Pilot, Sailor, Lamy, Pelikan and Montblanc. I have the last couple of years been eyeing urushi and maki-e pens more and more. I have several Pilot pens that I enjoy a lot, especially a Capless, 823 and a Silvern.

I´m getting a small bonus from my work and have decided to spend a good part of it on a nice pen.

Initially I thought about buying a Pilot CH 845 or a Platinum Izumo Tamenuri, but I find myself more and more drawn to buying a Namiki maki-e. My budget is in the Nippon Art $750 range. I can not see these pens in person, the nearest retailer is 1000 km away. I have a hard time choosing between the Golden Pheasants or the Chinese Phoenix.

I like the Golden Pheasants motifs a lot, I also feel that the large motifs give a lot of "maki-e bang for the buck", but I´m not that fond of all the small hearts.

The Chinese Phoenix I find the bird motif a little "boring" but still somehow like it a lot, I especially like the cloud motifs on the cap.

I like a maki-e pen with some "3d" effect in the lacquer and a dynamic or warm motif.

 

Do any of you own or have seen these pens in real life? I would reaaly like to hear your personal opinion on the motifs, quality and what you prefer.

Can you recommend other urushi or maki-e pens in the $750 range?

 

Thanks for reading and all the best

Kris

 

 

[OCArt]

Hello and welcome to this group. What a good problem to have! I've never seen a Urushi or Maki-e pen in person but I certainly have swooned over the photos. I would be tempted to hold off a bit, learn as much as I could about the various models and then make a holiday trip to a vendor and pick one out in person. What a great special event that would be.

Edited March 27, 2019 by OCArt

[MalcLee]

I agree with OCArt's advise to "hold off" and learn as much about this art form before committing. "There are maki-e pens and there are maki-e pens".

 

A great resource would be Mr Lambrou's - " Fountain Pens of Japan" - it is worth its weight in gold and you might just find one on eBay for sale - by none other than Mr Lambrou himself !

 

Welcome and all the best !

[raging.dragon]

I believe the Nippon Art pens are silk screen printed copies of an original art piece. So buy it if you love the art, but not if you're looking for traditional Maki-e.

I don't think you'll find any true Maki-e in your price range.

For simpler Urushi arts, the least expensive Nakaya solid colour and tame-nuri pens are at the top of your price range. Wancher solid colour and tame-nuri pens cost a little less, but use less expensive lacquer from mainland Asia (Vietnam?) instead of Japan. So less traditional, but not necessarily lower quality (I haven't seen a Wancher pen in person so I cannot comment on their quality).

Edited March 28, 2019 by raging.dragon

[jchch1950]

Nipon Art pens are a nice addition to any collection. The most important question is if you like it and if the pen will make you happy if the answer is yes buy it.

[hellokloh]

I got a Nippon Art (origami penguins) second hand a couple weeks ago -- it's been a solid, reliable everyday writer. However, for $750, if you're not SURE on the aesthetics, maybe explore a bit more? Many nakayas (though no maki-e) are in that price range, as are Platinum (both some maki-e and urushi) are, as are some Stylo-arts.

[quetzalcoatl]

Hej Kris,

All suggestions you received are valuable.

Take your time and explore the possibilities before taking a decision.

Mvh

Q.

[rudyhou]

my vote would be for Golden Pheasants. i think it's a much more impressive in look with the many feather tails. i've seen the Chinese Phoenix in person and it didn't impress me much. but whichever one you choose, it's worth owning a Namiki pen. i own the Mt. Fuji and Ship from the same Nippon Art series.

[rokurinpapa]

I believe the Nippon Art pens are silk screen printed copies of an original art piece. So buy it if you love the art, but not if you're looking for traditional Maki-e.

 

I don't think you'll find any true Maki-e in your price range.

 

For simpler Urushi arts, the least expensive Nakaya solid colour and tame-nuri pens are at the top of your price range. Wancher solid colour and tame-nuri pens cost a little less, but use less expensive lacquer from mainland Asia (Vietnam?) instead of Japan. So less traditional, but not necessarily lower quality (I haven't seen a Wancher pen in person so I cannot comment on their quality).

Nippon Art pens are made by hand painting by artist group named Kokkokai.

rokurinpapa