Namiki Yukari Herb Decoration Stylo Plume

Namiki Yukari Grapevine
Grapevine Motif: Symbolism and Elegance

The grapevine motif, rendered with remarkable detail, symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and longevity. The refined leaves and winding vines are depicted with great precision, showcasing the artisan’s masterful command of the Maki-e technique.
Floral and bird themes are a fundamental source of inspiration in Asian art, and the Kokkokai school captures them with intimate expression, infused with its own poetic sensibility.

Namiki and the Kokkokai Movement

Kokkokai means Group of the Nation’s Light. The movement was founded in 1931 around Gonroku Matsuda, a student of Shisi Rokkaku—an esteemed scholar at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts and the creator of the first prototypes of Namiki pens. Gonroku Matsuda is considered the greatest Maki-e master of all time. Highly revered during his lifetime, he received Japan’s highest distinction: the title of National Living Treasure.

Under the guidance of this Maki-e legend, the Kokkokai Artisan Group was established to research, develop, and perfect the style and quality of Namiki’s Maki-e pens. Originally composed of both Namiki artisans and external craftsmen, each member of the Kokkokai group practices different techniques, yet they all share the same vision for the evolution of this traditional art. The techniques of the Kokkokai artisans are passed down from generation to generation.

Technique Used

Togidashi-Hira Maki-e technique: the base is coated with an oil-free black lacquer, which is then sprinkled with gold powder to create the design. This is subsequently covered with a layer of urushi lacquer, and once dry, the design is revealed by polishing the lacquer with charcoal.

Year of Introduction: 2003
Brand: Namiki
Type: Yukari
Limited: No
Filling system: Converter & cartridge

Note: Pen come without papers. Presented in a Paulownia wood box.

Condition:
The pen has been used, but is cleaned. Some ink residue may still be present. The pen itself looks as good as new!