Sailor Limited Edition 1911 Realo Hana Maki-e Kiku Fountain Pen (Piston Filled Mechanism)

Introduced to Japan in the Nara period (710 -793), after which the royalty of the Heian period ( 794 - 1191 ) came to love the simple flower because they believed it had the power of longevity (prolonged life span). After the Kamakura period (1192-1333),the Kiku became the emblem of the Japanese royal family. The Chrysanthemum flowers in autumn – a colorful time before entering into the ‘silence and oblivion‘ of Winter.The ‘Kiku‘ Chrysanthemum is now one of the most ‘cultured’ flowers and this once ignored and ‘simple’ flower has now evolved to be one of the most familiar plants we will ever experience. Sailor Pen is proud to introduce them as a collection of very special Fountain Pens designed and hand decorated using the traditional Japanese art of Kaga Maki-e by the artist and craftsman Mr. Kousen Oshita in Japan. The collection has been specially commissioned by Sailor to commemorate the close collaboration between Sailor and Singapore. The beautiful Sakura, Ume, Kiku & Tsubaki are designed and hand painted by Master Kousen Oshita in Japan using the traditional Japanese art of Kaga Maki-e.The newly developed Realo piston filled mechanism fountain pens are fitted with 21K solid gold nib. This new development is the symbol of Sailor’s technology, quality and writing perfection gained with experience of almost 100 years. Each is individually numbered and limited to 28 pieces worldwide.Kaga Maki-e Artist - Kousen Oshita In the Meiji period of Japan, a Kaga Maki-e Artist Sekkou Oshita produced many great Kaga Maki-e works of art. his technique of Maki-e art was passed down to many generations of the Oshita family artists, and now to Kousen Oshita, the Fouth Generations.His clean yet delicate Maki-e style is ideal for Maki-e art on Tea Ceremonial tools and of course also fountain pens. Mr Oshita who resides in the Kaga region of Japan started to work with Maki-e designs on Sailor's fountain pens back in 1983. Many of his special works are exhibited in japan Traditional Craft Art and Design shows and several other private exhibitions.He is Certified Traditional Craft Artist by the Minister of International Tarde and Industry. He is Trustee of the Kaga Art Association.He is a member of Japan Crafts Councils-Ishikawa Branch. He is Organizer of the Tea Ceremony Association of Ishikawa Prefecture.