For your consideration, we are pleased to offer for sale this rare 1979 Pilot Myu 701 fountain pen, presented here in a striking customized “bark” finish with vivid yellow highlights. This is a compelling example of Japanese industrial design at its most refined—reimagined with an artistic twist. The pen remains in remarkable condition and appears never to have been inked.
NOTE: In over 15 years of collecting, I have encountered only three of similarly finished examples. Pieces of this nature are exceptionally scarce and seldom come to market.
Originally introduced in 1971, the Myu 701 represents Pilot’s pursuit of technical precision and everyday usability. It is celebrated for its revolutionary integrated design—most notably the seamless, one-piece stainless steel nib and body construction, a feat of engineering that remains unmatched. Clean, futuristic, and unmistakably minimalist, the Myu has earned recognition as a milestone in modern pen design.
This example retains all of those defining characteristics while featuring a custom-applied textured overlay in a luminous yellow and black palette. The pattern flows organically across the cap and barrel, evoking a natural, bark-like surface with a dynamic, almost molten visual depth. As light moves across the pen, the finish shifts beautifully, giving it a sculptural and highly individual presence.
The underlying stainless steel structure is exceptionally well preserved, free from dents, cracks, or repairs. The friction-fit cap seats securely, maintaining the uninterrupted lines that define the Myu series. Imprints remain crisp, with “PILOT” stamped below the clip, and the section is marked with a March 1979 date code (“379”).
The pen measures approximately 4 5/8 inches capped and 5 5/8 inches posted, with a weight of 0.71 ounces—light in hand, yet perfectly balanced.
The integrated Fine nib, formed from the same piece of steel as the body, exemplifies Pilot’s engineering ingenuity. The tipping measures approximately 0.50mm (when measured with digital calipers), delivering a precise, controlled line ideal for detailed writing. In keeping with its preserved state, the pen has not been inked.
A Pilot squeeze-type converter is included and has been water-tested to ensure proper function, allowing the next owner the option of use while maintaining collectibility.
While most collectors seek the Myu in its original brushed steel finish, this example offers something far more uncommon—a thoughtfully executed artistic reinterpretation of an already iconic design. It bridges industrial minimalism with expressive craftsmanship, appealing equally to dedicated Myu collectors.
Whether destined for a focused collection or as a standout conversation piece, this pen represents a rare opportunity to acquire a distinctive variation of one of Pilot’s most celebrated creations—an example that is unlikely to be duplicated and will not go unnoticed.
