For your consideration, we are delighted to present for sale this exceptionally scarce early 1990s Namiki Maki-e Chinese Zodiac “Tiger” Fountain Pen — the original, flat-top Yukari model crafted by master Kokkokai artisan Masaru Hayashi. This piece is part of Namiki’s revered Chinese Zodiac collection and remains in mint, never-inked condition, accompanied by its Namiki presentation box and registration card.
NOTE: The 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. 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 Masaru Hayashi has captured stunningly on the body and cap of the fountain pen Tiger scene. In Chinese culture, the tiger is a powerful symbol of strength, courage, and royalty, representing the "king of all beasts". Its forehead markings resemble the Chinese character for "king" (王). Tigers are also considered guardians against evil spirits and are associated with good luck and wealth. Namiki Zodiac Tiger was made by master maki-e artist Masaru Hayashi (The Namiki website displays the artist's signature here) - his signature displays on the pen's barrel in image 9. The Namiki logo and the NAMIKI name can be seen stamped into the clip. On top of the clip, as shown in image 10, is stamped, "JAPAN."
The fountain pen features a wonderful 18K/750 nib tuned by the masters at Namiki, assuring long-lasting, impeccable writing performance. The nib iridium tipping measures .99mm when measured with digital calipers, or a Broad nib point. The nib is the early version of the Namiki nib and does not display a date code. 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 Zodiac Tiger 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 .67 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 Zodiac pens, particularly the Tiger, 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’s early masterpieces, this Tiger embodies power, rarity, and grace—an unmissable opportunity for the discerning collector.
