For your consideration, we are delighted to present for sale this exceptionally scarce 1999 Namiki/Pilot Maki-e Chinese Zodiac “DRAGON” Fountain Pen — the original, flat-top Yukari model crafted by legendary master Kokkokai artisan Yasunori Sakamoto. This piece is part of Namiki’s original Chinese Zodiac collection and remains in mint, never-inked condition, accompanied by its Namiki presentation box and Namiki literature.
NOTE: The original Chinese Zodiac series celebrates the twelve celestial signs—Rat, Ox, Tiger, Hare, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar—each represented in exquisite lacquer artistry. This early edition, produced in limited quantities and rarely encountered today, differs significantly from the later streamlined Yukari models. The early models were discontinued in 2007-2008. We can date this one with the nib date code to May 1999. Crafted from ebonite and decorated using taka maki-e (high-relief lacquer) with delicate touches of jim-maki-e (gold dust work), this first-generation series is prized for its depth, texture, and traditional form—flat ends, light in hand, and imbued with old-world Namiki elegance. (The Namiki website provides steps that go into the Maki-e process here.)
Artist Yasunori Sakamoto has captured stunningly on the body and cap of the fountain pen the Dragon scene. In Chinese culture, the Dragon is a powerful symbol that embodies power, wisdom, and prosperity. Namiki Zodiac Dragon was made by master maki-e artist Yasunori Sakamoto (The Namiki website displays the artist's signature here) - his signature displays on the pen's barrel in image 9. The Pilot name can be seen stamped into the clip.
The fountain pen features a wonderful 18K/750 nib tuned by the masters at Namiki/Pilot, assuring long-lasting, impeccable writing performance. The nib iridium tipping measures .82mm when measured with digital calipers, or a Medium nib point. I have never inked the pen as I wanted to keep the pen in Mint Condition. Namiki nibs are some of the best-made 18K Gold Nibs in the World.
This Namiki/Pilot Zodiac Dragon Fountain Pen is a Yukari size and measures 5 1/2" in length capped, 6 1/2 inches posted, has a diameter around the cap lip area of 14.12mm, and weighs .78 ounces.
The fountain pen comes in a nice softwood presentation box and includes a Pilot-branded ink converter.
The process of hand-crafting these fountain pens takes three months or longer to complete. This technique, though painstaking, gives this fountain pen its deep lustrous sheen and has been used by Namiki craftsmen since the company's inception back in 1918.
Early Namiki/Pilot Zodiac pens, particularly the Dragon, are seldom seen outside of complete sets. This example, preserved in pristine condition, stands as a testament to Namiki’s heritage and the timeless appeal of traditional Japanese lacquer artistry. It is a piece that transcends function—equally at home as a writer’s heirloom or centerpiece of a world-class collection.
A true unicorn among Namiki/Pilot's early masterpieces, this Dragon embodies power, rarity, and grace—an unmissable opportunity for the discerning collector.
