Namiki Nippon Art Golden Pheasant

[jandrese]

This is my first Namiki Nippon Art series pen. I like my Pilot Seirei-nuri pen so much I went for the Namiki branded sibling in the Nippon Art Golden Pheasant. This pen is billed as being hira maki-e and is produced, and is signed by the Pilot/Namiki workshop. For the price somehow I doubt this is 100% hand done, but it does not really matter. It is an urushi craft, I like the big beautiful design, and it writes very nicely indeed. The writing experience is very similar to the preternaturally perfect Seirei-nuri but the Namiki comes with a CON-70 converter and a Namiki branded nib. Otherwise, at heart it is essentially identical to the Pilot. FWIW I purchased the pen from Pilot's Amazon listing for a good price and Prime shipping.

 

IMG_1910 by Ja Ja, on Flickr

 

IMG_1907 by Ja Ja, on Flickr

 

IMG_1911 by Ja Ja, on Flickr

 

IMG_1912 by Ja Ja, on Flickr

 

Medium nib writes and unvarying line the first time every time with just slightly more ink flow than is absolutely necessary. Luxury is about getting more than you need and in this case lux is a pen that just writes a beautiful line.

IMG_1909 by Ja Ja, on Flickr

 

Felt in the cap for safe posting (?). I don't post urushi pens.

IMG_1913 by Ja Ja, on Flickr

 

IMG_1914 by Ja Ja, on Flickr

 

Will see about getting more pens from the series.

[Marlow]

These maki-e pens are so beautiful... does the design not risk erosion from frequent use, however?! I would be worried about losing the incredible decorated finish! ?

[jandrese]

These maki-e pens are so beautiful... does the design not risk erosion from frequent use, however?! I would be worried about losing the incredible decorated finish! ?

Yes and no. Urushi is hard when cured and there are centuries old examples (well, not pens) that are well preserved. Japanese people would expect and treasure some honest wear. That does not entail abuse. I'm careful with my urushi pens, probably more than they need, but I use them without hesitation. They don't, for example, go in my pocket next to my keys but then again no other nice pen does either.

[Marlow]

Yes and no. Urushi is hard when cured and there are centuries old examples (well, not pens) that are well preserved. Japanese people would expect and treasure some honest wear. That does not entail abuse. I'm careful with my urushi pens, probably more than they need, but I use them without hesitation. They don't, for example, go in my pocket next to my keys but then again no other nice pen does either.

 

That makes sense. I appreciated especially the part about treasuring the honest wear.

[Irontank]

Very beautiful pictures of the pen. I am considering getting one but what's holding me back is the price. In Singapore where I live, the MSRP is close to USD$810 (inclusive of sales tax)!

 

Thus, I am trying to read as many reviews as possible before I part with my hard earned cash....... 😅

[abstract49]

I almost wish my brother had not moved away from Singapore!  It would be nice to have an excuse to go back so that I could shop for pens.  I think $810US is very acceptable for these pens, but now I would have to add shipping and customs.  [sigh]

[Irontank]

After much debate with myself, I finally contacted a local shop and made an appointment to purchase/collect my pen. This will be my very first Namiki.

 

While I can get the same pen for a slightly lower price online, I decided to make my purchase from a physical shop for 2 main reasons:

 

1. To personally see, check and select my pen.

2. To support local brick&mortar retailers. It will be  a sad day indeed if the day shall come when we can only purchase stuff online if nobody supports physical shops and they all have to eventually close down.

 

😀

[Inked_Fingers]

I have this pen and it's one of my Pearls! So beautiful!

[Irontank]

I agree. I searched for pictures of this pen on the internet and they were all really beautiful. Prior to reserving this pen with the shop, I was considering between this design and the Crane & Turtle design. But finally settled on this, the Golden Pheasant design.

[Inked_Fingers]

You wont regret it @Irontank. I bought it in an auction, so slightly cheaper (no box or documents). It was my first Maki-e pen. But it's one of the most beautiful pens in my collection.   When you pick it up, it's like having a piece of art in your hands everytime. It just makes you feel proud and happy. 

[Irontank]

I am in absolute agreement! 😀

 

Can't wait for next week when I will get to personally select and purchase my very first ever Namiki; the Golden Pheasant. 

[Inked_Fingers]

3 hours ago, Irontank said:

I am in absolute agreement! 😀

 

Can't wait for next week when I will get to personally select and purchase my very first ever Namiki; the Golden Pheasant. 

 

Good luck and enjoy!