Pelikan Snow, Moon and Flowers

September 09, 2022 2 min read

Pelikan launches a new limited edition of 123 numbered units. A fusion of Japanese tradition with German design and a two-tone 18-carat nib.

The craft of Maki-e, which literally translates to 'splashed image', originated in Japan as a way of working with lacquer. Each piece made using this technique is unique and is handmade by a craftsman. Find out more about Maki-e here.

This technique originates from Japan and is usually seen in fountain pens such as Namiki, Nakaya, Taccia or Platinum, but this time the German brand Pelikan surprises with a spectacular and unique design.

Snow, Moon and Flowers

Snow, Moon and Flowers refers to the three natural beauties in the seasons of Japan, the winter snow, the autumn moon and the spring flowers, a recurring theme in Japanese art, which originally comes from a poem by Bai Juyi, written during the 8th century. The snow crystals, full moon and cherry blossoms are depicted by combining the Taka-Maki-e and Togidashi-Maki-e techniques.

Taka-Maki-e elevates the maki-e by mixing the gold pigments with some support to give a feel to the painting. Togidashi Maki-e, which is more complex, involves applying the maki-e layer between layers of lacquer that are polished each time. The combination of these two techniques achieves a design with greater depth and texture.

For fans of the brand, the motif may be familiar, reminiscent of "The Beauty of Nature" fountain pen, a unique M800 of the 17 launched in the 'unique' maki-e style collection launched in 2014. Some of the motifs that were first used on this pen are now found on the new M1000.

Each pen is manufactured and assembled in Germany and refined in Japan. Its barrel is based on the Souverän M1000 model, with the Pelikan logo on the cap and the brand's authentic gold-plated clip. Two trim rings on the piston knob and one on the grip section create a perfect contrast. The 18-karat gold nib is two-tone. Each nib is individually numbered and includes the artist's signature on the barrel. The model is presented in a traditional paulownia wood box.