In Late 2006 Pilot celebrated their 88th
anniversary. In commemoration of this event, created this imperial
fountain pen that honors "Tradition and Innovation"
- hallmarks of Pilot pen craftsmanship. In Japanese culture,
the 88th anniversary is particularly important. This passage,
known as "Beiju" is a time for special celebration
as an important milestone in an long life.
The cap and barrel are crafted with
"Nioh" gods (guardian gods). These gods are
deeply rooted in Japanese mythology as talismans against
evil.
The "Nioh" god on the cap (shown left with
his mouth open) is known as "Ah". This breath
signifies the beginning of all things. The god on the
barrel (shown right with mouth closed) is known as "Un".
This closed mouth sound signifies the end of all things.
These sounds, together, are known as "Ah-Un"
breathing which means "instant anticipation of
another's intentions", an expression of empathy.
In a larger sense, they represent everything that happens
between the beginning and the end, a full life.
This depiction of the Nioh figures, standing upright, strong
and vigorous, on a gold dust earth, places them in a land
and skyscape with traditional foliage and cloud elements.
Flecks of gold, bronze and other pigments are applied in traditional
Urushi technique with an effect suggesting both space and
time.
Weighing 37.5 grams and at 5 1/2" long, this is a full-sized
fountain pen with good heft. The pen style, known as flattop,
dates from before the 1930's. This shape probably had its original
inspiration with the Sheaffer's flattops of the first world war
era.
Pilot pioneered the nib pellet manufacturing technique
in Japan in 1818. At the same time in this country,
raw iridium was still being used. This innovation
led to the acceptance of the quality of Pilot pens
world wide. After the collaboration with the Alfred
Dunhill Company of London, producing Dunhill-Namiki
Maki-e pens, Pilot's reputation grew even further.
Today, they are some of the most collectable pens
in the world.
Total of 880 pieces were made of this pen, and the
limited edition number is discreetly placed on the
top of the clip.
As with all limited edition Maki-e fountain pens,
the artist's signature is drawn on the barrel.
The presentation box is gorgeous. Made of clear straight
grain softwood, possibly Douglas Fir, this box is embellished
with Japanese master calligraphy and tied in a traditional
way. It includes a bottle of ink, and a wooden certificate
showing the edition number.
We have #611/880. This number is engraved on the top of the
pocket clip.