2005 NAMIKI YUKARI MAKI-E APRICOT TREE & BRUSH WARBLER 18K BROAD NIB FOUNTAIN PEN MINT

For your consideration, we are offering for sale this Circa 2005 Namiki Yukari Maki-e Fountain Pen fitted with an 18K Broad nib in the "Apricot Tree & Brush Warbler" scene. This fountain pen has never been inked and comes in the original box with all the Namiki documentation, Namiki Blue Ink Bottle, and Certificate of Authenticity. I consider this Yukari Fountain Pen to be in Mint Condition.

NOTE: The Apricot Tree & Brush Warbler Yukari Maki-e Fountain Pen that I have here is an earlier model with a nib date code of May 2005. This Namiki Yukari Apricot Tree & Brush Warbler Fountain Pen had the Maiki-e artwork by "Kokkokai" which is a group of Maki-e artisans within Namiki. The Morning Glory Fountain Pen features two different Maki-e techniques, Togidashi-maki-e (burnished Maki-e) and Taka-maki-e (raised 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 Taka-Maki-e method is a Maki-e applied on patterns in raised relief and dates to the 12th century. 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 pen available.  (The Namiki website provides steps that go into this process here.)

The collective Namiki artisans (Kokkokai) have captured stunningly on the body and cap of the fountain pen the Apricot Tree and the Brush Warbler.  The Namiki Yukari Apricot Tree & Brush Warbler Fountain Pen signifies a connection to nature and the changing seasons, while "Apricot Tree" represents resilience, the promise of spring, and the beauty of transience. The Brush Warbler is a symbol of the spring revival, hope, and an end to the hard (winter) time.  The Namiki logo and the NAMIKI name can be seen stamped into the clip. On the top of the clip is the serial number "M285". 

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 .92mm when measured with digital calipers - or a Broad nib point. The nib has a date code of A505, or May 2005. The pen has never been inked and wanted to keep it this one for the next collector.

This Namiki Yukari Fountain Pen measures 5 5/8" in length 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 Apricot Tree & Brush Warbler Certificate of Authenticity, and an ink cartridge to get you started writing with this gorgeous work of art. 

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.

This Namiki Yukari Apricot Tree & Brush Warbler 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.