Difference in togidashi-hira on Namiki Yukari Bumblebee versus Grapevine

[Linger]

I am one of the 300 lucky buyers of Namiki's 2024 limited edition Bumblebee.

 

It is gorgeous...the color combination of gold/yellow, blue and green (the same as on the Brazilian flag bytheway) are non-typical and very appealing. Well, to me and 299 others at least. And though I mostly write with the Yukari Royale sized pens, this smaller size suits me really good. Perhaps a microscopic bit better, as it resembles the cheap ballpoint pens I used in primary school when learning how to write.

 

My question relates to the application of the same technique (togidashi-hira) resulting in a different product. The small amounts of raden aside (they resemble the pollens that the bumblebee distributes), the Bumblebee compared to the Grapevine (my other Yukari) is simply a much richer looking maki-e. There is more definition, more depth of the ink/lacquer, more character. Granted, there is a price difference between both pens, but the technique as listed on Namiki's website is the same.

 

The photo hopefully does justice to the glorious pen, as well as to my question...who can give some insights?

 

[ridiculopathy]

I am not sure if this is what you mean, but for me, the fine gold powder on the leaves in the Grapevine pen makes the color a bit duller than in the Bumblebee pen. Kind of like a vintage photograph. 

[Penava]

Could it be the differences in artists? I've read somewhere that while the same techniques are being used, different artists have their own unique way and preferences as to how they create the pen. Maybe the artist that made the bumblebee just preferred it that way. Some artists are also better than others, so that could also be a factor. 

 

For me, when looking at them, the lack of gold dust on the honey bee could also be contributing to what you're seeing. I love honey bees, but personally did not care for this bumblebee release or the bush clover for these reasons and decided to pass on purchasing.

 

I know for Nakaya they've said that some differences in how the same pen turns out is the artists preference, for example some prefer to put urushi on the threads and others not.

[Linger]

Both pens are attributed to the kokkokai group so multiple artisans worked on it. The golddust could explain the difference in brightness, although, upon reflection, I suspect the Grapevine is silk screened and the Bumblebee is hand decorated. This could also explain the price difference.