2004 NAMIKI YUKARI MAKI-E GRAPEVINE 18K BROAD NIB FOUNTAIN PEN MINT

For your consideration, we are offering for sale this Circa 2004 Namiki Yukari Maki-e Fountain Pen fitted with an 18K Broad nib in the "Grapevine" scene. This fountain pen has never been inked and comes in the original box with all the Namiki documentation, a Namiki Black Ink Bottle, an Ink Cartridge, and a Certificate of Authenticity. I consider this Yukari Fountain Pen to be in Mint Condition.

NOTE: The Grapevine Yukari Maki-e Fountain Pen that I have here is an earlier model with a nib date code of October 2004. This Namiki Grapevine Fountain Pen has the Maiki-e artwork by "Kokkokai," which is a group of Maki-e artisans within Namiki. The Grapevine Fountain Pen features two different Maki-e techniques, Togidashi-maki-e (burnished Maki-e) and Hira-maki-e (flat Maki-e). The Togidashi-maki-e is a method in which gilded patterns are dried and recoated with Urushi and finally burnished to a high sheen using charcoal — this style of Maki-e dates to the 7th century. The Hiraa-Maki-e method uses colored urushi lacquers combined with raw lacquer, which is then coated with a sprinkling of gold powder. The spreading of gold dust on a precise area and to a desired density is a skill that requires great expertise and experience. The spreading of gold dust on a precise area and to a desired density is a skill that requires great expertise and experience. Namiki developed this lacquering technique in 1925 and has since earned an international reputation for producing the finest Maki-e decorated fountain pens available. The process of handcrafting 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. (The Namiki website provides steps that go into this process here.)

The collective artisans of Namiki, known as Kokkokai, have exquisitely portrayed the Grapevine scene on the body and cap of the fountain pen. In Japanese culture, grapevines and grapes frequently symbolize fecundity, a bountiful harvest, and longevity, derived from the richness of their yield. Additionally, they are prominently featured in harvest festivals, representing abundance and gratitude.

The Namiki logo and the NAMIKI name can be seen stamped into the clip. On the top of the clip is the serial number "N837". 

The fountain pen displays no wear, chips, cracks, repairs, or any damage of the sort. The pen is in perfect condition. 

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 .91mm when measured with digital calipers - or a Broad nib point. The nib has a date code of A1004, or October 2004. The pen has never been inked, and I wanted to keep it this way for the next collector.

This Namiki Yukari Fountain Pen measures 5 5/8" in length when capped. The diameter of the barrel is .46" inches. Weighs 1.16 ounces.

The fountain pen comes in a nice softwood presentation box and includes a Con-70 converter, a bottle of ink, Namiki literature, Namiki Grapevine Certificate of Authenticity, and an ink cartridge to get you started writing with this gorgeous work of art. 

This Namiki Grapevine Fountain Pen is an exquisite display of artistry and craftsmanship. I would consider this Namiki to grade in Mint Condition. This is a very special, high-cachet fountain pen that is ready to write with or just add it to your writing arsenal collection.