NamikiYukariRoyaleKingfisher

Yukari Royale Kingfisher

The Namiki Yukari Royale Kingfisher makes a connection between culture and nature. Using the long tradition of Maki-e (urushi, hand painting and surface gold and silver application) to depict a common natural occurrence, a kingfisher successfully plucking a fish from water. Namiki artists have produced a stunning colorful fountain pen.

Besides the rich pigmentation of the kingfisher, notice the use of controlled sizes of gold and silver particles in the background of this pen.

Based on the two most recent examples we have received, the artist has changed his palette somewhat. The vibrant Mandarin reds in our scans are now golden orange and terra cotta. The overall effect is still stunning, just a little more muted and subtle.

The overall proportions of this pen are consistent with the traditional Namiki shapes. Slightly larger than the Yukari Collection (5 5/8"), this pen, at nearly 6" long capped, is smaller than the Emperor' 6 13/16". A fine metal band surrounds the cap lip, giving strength where it is needed as well as a refined division between the cap and barrel. An important consideration in this composition is the element of static shape and that of movement.

Anyone who has watched a kingfisher feeding, knows that this is a bird of great patience and sudden speed. This is reflected in the use of a static pond scene (see above) and on the other hand, in the falling leaves on the left. The leaves give the feel of random movement.

The composition comes together as a whole as the pen is rotated in hand.

The nib is of the highest standard which is why, initially, we took up the brand. Available in M and B, this 18k nib is imprinted with Mt. Fuji in a white platinum wash as well as the Namiki pentagon. This pentagon can also be seen on the top of the clip. Notice that lacquer with gold dust is also applied to the clip, unifying the dark color with the rest of the pen.
The superior converter filling system, which holds more than any other we know of, can be replaced by a standard Namiki cartridge for convenience.

The signature, in red is below the Japanese characters describing this pen. See how the application of silver particles imbedded in resin is below the layer of the the calligraphy. This whole process is called Maki-e, which Namiki has been producing to great effect since 1925.

The presentation box is made of a light wood and is red velvet-lined, with a bottle of ink provided.

Retail price $5700.00

Our Price: $4,560.00

In April 2008, this pen will be discontinued by Pilot-Namiki.

"Dear Pat and John, If anything were capable of rendering me speechless, that Kingfisher would have done it. Unfortunately for all of us, nothing is. I was literally shocked when I unpacked that pen, so thoroughly (and happily)did it confound my expectations. I've ordered many pens over the past several years simply because I couldn't get up the nerve to order this one. I've been eyeing it for a long time, studying scans on your site and many others as well, but nothing prepared me for the reality of that pen. The sense of composition is incredible--the empty black spaces giving way gradually to clouds of gold; the tiny autumnal leaves just underneath the Kingfisher bringing the leaf motif on the cap down to the barrel; the intricate subtlety of the pond scene. What a beauty! And of course the nib is another Mottishaw masterpiece... Alan" (11/17/06)

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