Pelikan Maki-e Dragon * Pelikan Maki-e

Maki-e is a complex art of Japanese lacquer painting and is renowned for its beauty and artistry. Maki-e is often combined with other techniques, such as the Japanese Raden technique. In the process of Maki-e, urushi is applied to the fountain pen in many layers, which are polished repeatedly. This technique is called Togidashi-Maki-e.

In addition, the artist can mix charcoal powder and gold powder into the lacquer so that the pattern of the design is raised above the surface. This is called Taka-Maki-e technique. The Pelikan fountain pen Dragon uses the combined Togidashi-Taka-Maki-e technique.

The Dragon is a very significant legendary spiritual, mythical creature in Chinese mythology, appearing in myths, ornaments, works of art, and architecture of East Asia. The Dragon is a powerful symbol and is considered to be the source of all the power. It is often used as a symbol of Chinese emperors. Dragon summons thunderclouds and storms, becomes a tornado, rises into the sky, and flies freely. It lurks in the abyss in autumn and rises to the heavens in spring.

The ascending Dragon heading towards the heavens and the descending Dragon from the heavens are favored as auspicious patterns. In particular, since it is said the Dragon ascends to the sky to get the treasure ball, the descending Dragon is depicted holding the treasure ball.

It is said that the treasure ball is a sacred jade that can cure diseases, avoid disasters, and make all kinds of wishes come true. On the fountain pen, the treasure ball was crafted with the Raden technique, using small particles of abalone shell. The golden lights of the thunderstorm surround the Dragon, and in the background is Mount Fuji, where the thunderstorm began.

The Pelikan Maki-e Dragon M1000 fountain pen is a masterpiece that combines the craftsmanship of Pelikan Germany based on 185 years of tradition and technology, coupled with superior Japanese traditional Maki-e painting techniques. Each Souverän M1000 fountain pen is produced in Germany and then decorated in Japan. Every single pen has the Pelikan logo on the crown, a limited-edition number, and the artist’s signature drawn in by hand using Maki-e techniques. The Dragon, released in the year 2023, is available in a limited edition of only 123 pieces worldwide. Each fountain pen has a finely chased 18-carat, two-tone gold nib and is encased in a traditional Japanese Paulownia wooden box.