For your consideration, we are exceptionally pleased to offer this 2003 Pilot-Namiki 85th Anniversary Hiten Maki-e Limited Edition Fountain Pen, a remarkable celebration of Japanese artistry, cultural heritage, and Pilot's history of fine writing instruments. Limited 767 of only 1,000 examples worldwide, this exceptional fountain pen is fitted with an 18K/750 solid gold Medium nib and remains in Mint, Never Inked condition. This example is accompanied by its original presentation box, complete documentation, and original unused Pilot ink bottle, making it an especially desirable and complete offering for the serious collector.
The Hiten, or “flying celestial being,” is one of the most graceful subjects in traditional Japanese Buddhist art. For Pilot's 85th Anniversary, this ancient imagery was transformed into an extraordinary work of Maki-e, creating a fountain pen that bridges more than a thousand years of Japanese artistic tradition with the craftsmanship of modern Pilot-Namiki.
Pilot drew its inspiration from the Water Flame ornament atop the East Pagoda of Yakushi-ji Temple in Nara, a National Treasure of Japan dating to 730 CE. The ornament incorporates celestial figures moving among flowing clouds, representing the Hiten descending from the heavens to scatter flowers and offer music to the Buddha and sacred pagoda.
The imagery on the fountain pen is beautifully composed. Two Hiten figures grace the cap, including one presenting a lotus flower bud and another carrying a tray associated with the ceremonial scattering of flowers. The barrel presents perhaps the most enchanting scene: a celestial figure kneeling while playing a flute beneath a brilliant night sky.
Rather than treating the cap and barrel as independent decorative surfaces, the artwork flows naturally around the entire pen, creating the impression of a continuous celestial scene.
Sterling Silver, Raden & Maki-e
The cap and barrel are crafted from sterling silver, providing a precious and luminous foundation for the elaborate artwork. Over this foundation, Pilot employed Togidashi-Taka Maki-e incorporating Raden and gold powder, bringing together several of Japan's most demanding decorative techniques. The cap banding is stampled with, "Sterling Silver and the Limited Edition number 0767/1000."
The Raden is particularly captivating. Thin pieces of iridescent mother-of-pearl are incorporated into the lacquer to create the effect of a star-filled celestial sky. As the pen moves under changing light, the shell reveals subtle flashes of blue, green, violet, silver, and other colors. The effect is remarkably dynamic—quiet and restrained from one angle, then suddenly alive with color from another.
Gold powder adds another dimension of warmth and brilliance, while the raised and highly polished Maki-e work gives portions of the Hiten imagery a subtle dimensionality.
The craftsmanship associated with this edition is attributed to Kokkokai, Pilot's renowned association of Maki-e artisans. The Hiten therefore represents much more than an anniversary decoration; it is an expression of Pilot's commitment to preserving traditional Japanese craftsmanship and carrying those techniques into the modern era.
An Important Pilot Anniversary Edition
Pilot was founded in 1918, making 2003 the company's 85th anniversary. The Hiten was an especially appropriate subject for the occasion. Celestial figures associated with music, flowers, beauty, and the heavens provided Pilot with a symbolic way to connect its future with the artistic traditions of Japan's past.
The result is a fountain pen with an unusually compelling historical narrative: a modern Japanese writing instrument celebrating 85 years of Pilot through decorative traditions that reach back more than a millennium.
At the heart of the pen is its 18K/750 solid gold #10 Medium nib, specially associated with the 85th Anniversary edition. The nib is rhodium plated for an elegant contrast with the gold and remains completely untouched. The tipping measures approximately 0.86mm with digital calipers.
Most importantly, this nib has never been inked or dip-tested. It remains in pristine, original condition—exactly the way a serious collector hopes to find an exceptional Maki-e fountain pen.
Condition & Complete Presentation
The condition of this Hiten is truly exceptional. The sterling silver, Maki-e artwork, Raden, and trim remain beautifully preserved with no chips, cracks, repairs, or visible wear. The fountain pen has never been put into service and remains Mint and Never Inked.
Completing the offering are the original presentation box, complete documentation, and original unused Pilot ink bottle. For collectors, the presence of the complete original presentation materials substantially enhances the desirability of an already scarce limited edition.
The 2003 Pilot-Namiki 85th Anniversary Hiten occupies a special position among modern Japanese fountain pens. It brings together:
- Sterling silver construction
- Raden mother-of-pearl
- Gold powder
- Togidashi-Taka Maki-e
- 18K/750 solid gold Medium nib
- Kokkokai-associated craftsmanship
- Traditional Japanese Buddhist imagery
- Pilot's 85th Anniversary
- Limited production of only 1,000 examples worldwide, this limited edition #767
Few fountain pens bring together such a remarkable combination of precious materials, traditional Japanese artistry, cultural history, and fountain-pen craftsmanship.
For the collector of Pilot-Namiki, Japanese Maki-e, Raden, sterling-silver writing instruments, or historically significant fountain pens, this is an unusually compelling example. It is not simply an anniversary fountain pen—it is a small work of Japanese decorative art created to commemorate an important milestone in Pilot's history.
Preserved in Mint, Never Inked condition with its original presentation box, complete documentation, and unused original ink bottle, this Hiten represents exactly the type of exceptional example that becomes increasingly difficult to locate as time passes.
A remarkable celebration of movement, music, light, and aspiration, the Pilot-Namiki 85th Anniversary Hiten is an extraordinary fountain pen to admire today and preserve for the next generation.
