Sparkling MAKI-E Fountain Pen in Urushi Lacquer

For centuries, the Japanese alphabet has been more than a written system—it has been a medium of art. From the 4th century onward, calligraphy and lacquer emerged together as parallel traditions, each embodying elegance, restraint, and the refinement of line. This fountain pen unites both forms in one object: a writing instrument that is also a testament to Japan’s enduring pursuit of beauty.

The pen’s decoration is achieved through MAKI-E gilding, one of Japan’s most celebrated lacquer techniques. Ultrafine gold powders are sprinkled by hand onto wet lacquer, layer upon delicate layer, until patterns shimmer with luminous depth. Each application requires a steady hand, practiced over decades of apprenticeship. The result is a surface that catches light with quiet brilliance—an ornament that transforms writing into ritual.

Complementing this artistry is the Urushi lacquer coating, a finish both ecological and rare. Harvested from the sap of the Rhus Verniciflua tree, Urushi has been revered in Japan for over 9,000 years. Because a single tree produces no more than 200ml of sap in its lifetime, every application of Urushi is precious. Once cured, it forms a surface of exceptional durability, luster, and depth. To handle an object in Urushi is to feel a direct connection to nature transformed into art.

At the heart of the pen lies its “Naginata Togi” nib, crafted in 21k gold and offered in Sailor’s bespoke medium size. Named after the sweeping blade of the naginata, a traditional Japanese polearm, the nib allows expressive variation of line—fine strokes with a light hand, broad flourishes with greater pressure. Balanced with a polished PMMA barrel and fitted with both cartridges and converter, the pen is suited equally to daily use and ceremonial writing.

Presented in a handcrafted Kiri Bako of paulownia wood, each fountain pen is accompanied by ink cartridges, converter, polishing cloth, and a handling manual. More than a tool, it is an heirloom—an object that transforms the intimate act of writing into an encounter with Japanese tradition.