Legends surrounding the dragon, the motif of this pen, are said to originate in ancient Mesopotamia, from where they spread throughout the world in the form of literature, pictures, and sculpture. The dragon has been worshipped since ancient times as one of the Four Guardians (Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, and Black Tortoise) guarding the four cardinal directions and four seasons. The dragon is also considered to be the bringer of thunder and rain, and therefore the patron god of agriculture. The Nobori Ryu (Rising dragon) fountain pen, which commemorates the 95th anniversary of our foundation, depicts the liberating spirit and vitality of a dragon ascending towards the heavens and expresses our wishes for continued successes in people’s lives.
On the other hand, the design of the Ryu (dragon) fountain pen incorporates clouds that bring fertile rains, expressing hope that many blessings will come.
The Nobori Ryu fountain pen makes full use of the Shishiai Togidashi-Taka Maki-e (Burnished-Raised Maki-e) technique, an advanced Maki-e lacquer technique in which silver powder and charcoal powder are used to make the design stand out in high relief and add a sense of body and dimensionality. We portrayed the dynamism of a dragon bursting skyward from the water and reaching towards heaven to deliver a wish, symbolised by the jewel in its claw.
The Nobori Ryu was crafted by Maki-e artisan Seiki Chida and expresses our thoughts on the 100th anniversary of our foundation.
FFV-LP-NR-M/B *overseas market only
The Ryu fountain pen utilises the Seirei (dragonfly wing pattern) technique on the barrel and cap to give the effect of clouds. The dragon is rendered with the Togidashi Hira Maki-e (Burnished-Flat Maki-e) technique and finished in silver, which will acquire an elegant patina over time with use.
FV-10MP-R-F/M/B
千田正樹
銘 正樹
Seiki Chida
Signature Seiki
Nobori Ryu
Barrel, cap: Ebonite with Shishiai Togidashi-Taka Maki-e (Burnished-Raised Maki-e)
Nib: No.50 / 18K / 95th anniversary design
Nib size: M (Medium), B (Broad) *overseas market only
Size: Length 176mm x max. diameter 19.7mm
Filling system: Eye dropper filling system
Box: Exclusive lacquered box
Set contains: Fountain pen, eyedropper, bottle of black ink (iroshizuku, take-sumi), instruction booklet, leaflet, artisan's signature card , polishing care cloth, original pen pouch (Inden / with an original design featuring dragon scales and the PILOT logo), serial number plate
Ryu
Barrel, cap: Brass with Togidashi-Hira Maki-e
Nib: No.10 / 18K / 95th anniversary design
Nib size: F (Fine), M (Medium), B (Broad)
Size: Length 137mm x max. diameter 14.5mm
Filling system: PILOT cartridge system / converter70 attached
Box: Exclusive paulownia wooden box
Set contains: Fountain pen, bottle of black ink (iroshizuku, take-sumi), instruction booklet, leaflet, polishing care cloth, serial number plate
On the 90th anniversary of our foundation, we wished to depict the advanced and traditional Maki-e craft techniques we have accumulated over the years to design two types of commemorative fountain pens based on the motif of the Toki (crested ibis). The crested ibis is a bird that represents Japan—its scientific name is Nipponia nippon. It is also mentioned in the Nihon Shoki (the oldest official history of Japan) by the name “Tsuki,” written with characters that mean “peach blossom bird.” The characteristic pale vermillion color that tinges the crested ibis’ wings (a color called “Toki”) was said to be indescribably beautiful when shimmering with golden hues under the rays of the sun.
The crested ibis is currently listed as a special natural treasure of Japan. The 90th year since our foundation, 2008, was also the year during which these birds were first released from their preservation area. Praying for the successful environmental preservation, we designed the commemorative fountain pens using the crested ibis as a motif to help to raise awareness about species and environmental protection. At the same time, the image of the crested ibis soaring through a blue sky symbolised our soaring aspirations for our future as a company.
Using the Togidashi-Taka Maki-e (Burnished-Raised Maki-e) technique, we depicted the crested ibis circling through the sky on the pen cap, and a flock taking flight from the ground on the barrel. The barrel also details two crested ibises flying along the river in Togidashi-Taka Maki-e and Rankaku (eggshell). Maki-e artisan and KOKKOKAI member Yasunori Sakamoto took charge of crafting this piece using all the traditional techniques at his disposal.
FFV-LP-TO-M/B *overseas market only
The Raden technique, in which fragments of shells are sprinkled on and inlaid into the lacquer, was used with silver powder to create the pen’s cap and barrel. The ring of the pen’s cap depicts two crested ibises soaring over the waves using a casting technique and the Togidashi (burnished) lacquer technique.
FV-LP-RTO-F/M/B
坂本康則
銘 康則
Yasunori Sakamoto
Signature Yasunori
Toki
Barrel, cap: Ebonite with Togidashi-Taka Maki-e (Burnished-Raised Maki-e) and Rankaku (eggshell)
Nib : No.50 / 18K / 90th anniversary design
Nib size: M (Medium) , B (Broad)
Size: Length 175.8mm x max. diameter 17.1mm
Filling system: Eye dropper filling system
Box: Exclusive paulownia wooden box
Set contains: Fountain pen, eyedropper, bottle of black ink, instruction booklet, leaflet, artist card, polishing care cloth, serial number plate
Raden Toki
Barrel, cap: Brass with Togidashi Maki-e (Burnished Maki-e) and Raden (mother-of-pearl)
Nib: No.10 / 18K / 90th anniversary design
Nib size: F (Fine), M (Medium), B (Broad)
Size: Length 137.2mm x max. diameter 14.55mm
Filling system: PILOT cartridge system / converter70 attached
Box: Exclusive paulownia wooden box
Set contains: Fountain pen, bottle of black ink, instruction booklet, leaflet, serial number plate, exclusive leather case
Since ancient times, there has been a custom in Japan of celebrating the 88th birthday, called “beiju,” as a milestone of longevity. On the 88th anniversary of our foundation, we produced commemorative fountain pens represented the significance of the number 88, which symbolizes growing prosperity due to its shape that widens toward the bottom when written in Chinese characters, and the image of twins. The motifs we chose were the Shishi-Komainu and the Nioh, both familiar figures deeply ingrained in Japanese culture as guardians, talismans, and symbols of purification.
Long ago in the Imperial Court, Shishi-Komainu were used as a pair of protective or talismanic sacred beasts in the style of the Chinese system—as ornamental weights on bamboo blinds and curtains, for instance, or painted on sliding screens such as the “Kenjo no shoji” in the Shishinden of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, with the Shishi on the left and the Komainu on the right. However, as time went by, the two gradually became indistinguishable from each other and both became known as Komainu. In contrast, the Nioh, also called Kongorikishi, have long been enshrined as a pair who serve the role of protecting Buddhist teachings and temples. They are also said to confer the blessings of physical health and strong legs.
Both pairs feature one Komainu or Nioh with its mouth open, called “a,” and the other with its mouth closed, called “un,” which together are said to represent the beginning and end of all things. In addition, the Japanese phrase “a-un no kokyu” (a-un breathing) is used to express the state of two beings who are perfectly in sync with each other.
On the occasion of our 88th anniversary, we expressed our hope for continued peace into the future through these commemorative Maki-e fountain pens of the Shishi-Komainu and Nioh.
Shishi-Komainu fountain pen utilizes the advanced Shishiai Togidashi-Taka Maki-e (Burnished-Raised Maki-e) technique, in which silver powder and charcoal powder are used to make the motif stand out in high relief and add a sense of body and dimensionality. The Shishi and Komainu are arranged as a pair with one on the cap and one on the barrel of the pen. This commemorative fountain pen was crafted by Maki-e artisan Masaru Hayashi using intricate skills passed down through generations.
FFV-LP-SK-M/B *overseas market only
Nioh fountain pen represents the muscular and powerful form of the Nioh using the Togidashi Makie(Burnished-Raised Maki-e) technique. The Nioh are configured as a pair with the “a” (open mouth)figure on the cap and the “un” (closed mouth) figure on the barrel. As beings that repel evil spirits, their firmly planted figures express a sense of vigor and determination.
FFV-LP-NO-M/B
林 勝
銘 勝
Masaru Hayashi
Signature Masaru
Shishi-Komainu
Barrel, cap: Ebonite with Shishiai Togidash-Taka Maki-e (Combined Raised and Burnished Maki-e)
Nib: No.50 / 18K / 88th anniversary design
Nib size: M (Medium) , B (Broad） *overseas market only
Size: Length 176mm x max. diameter 19.7mm
Filling system: Eye dropper filling system
Box：Exclusive wooden box with Sanada-himo (braid)
Set contains: Fountain pen, eyedropper, bottle of black ink, wooden serial number plate, artisan's signature card, polishing care cloth, leaflet, instruction booklet
Nioh
Barrel, cap: Brass with Togidashi-Taka Maki-e (Burnished-Raised Maki-e)
Nib: No.10 / 18K / 88th anniversary design
Nib size: M (Medium), B (Broad）
Size: Length 137mm x max. diameter 14.3mm
Filling system: PILOT cartridge system / converter70 attached
Box: Exclusive wooden box with Sanada-himo (braid)
Set contains: Fountain pen, bottle of black ink, wooden serial number plate, leaflet, instruction booklet
On the occasion of the 85th anniversary of our foundation, we produced a commemorative fountain pen around the image of the Hiten (flying apsara) in order to pass on to the next generation the advanced technologies we accumulated through the originality and ingenuity of our predecessors, including the founder of our company who was devoted to fountain pen production, as well as the traditional Maki-e techniques that have been continuously handed down in our company.
The motif of this fountain pen is the Water Flame that adorns the East Pagoda (a National Treasure) of Yakushiji Temple in Nara, which has been described as “frozen music.” The East Pagoda was built in 730 CE and is known to be the only structure at Yakushiji to have survived to the present day.
The Water Flame on the pagoda’s finial consists of four bronze plates of openwork, each depicting among the windswept clouds of the Water Flame three celestial figures in fluttering feathered robes arranged at the top, middle, and bottom.
This is the realm of the Hiten as envisioned by the people of old, who believed that flying celestial beings scattered flowers and played music as they descended from the heavens to make offerings to the Buddha and the pagoda. We depicted this scene on the occasion of our anniversary along with our hopes for further progress leading into the future.
The cap features a Hiten offering up a lotus flower bud with both hands and a Hiten holding a tray (flower basket) for a flower-scattering ritual. On the barrel, we depicted the music-performing figure of a Hiten kneeling on one knee and playing a flute. The starry night sky is rendered with Raden (Mother-of-pearl) and gold on a sterling silver base, while the graceful world of the descending celestial beings is expressed in delicate Togidashi-Taka Maki-e (Burnished-Raised Maki-e).
FFV-12MS-HT-M/B
國光會
KOKKOKAI
Hiten
Barrel, cap: Sterling silver, Togidashi Maki-e with Raden and gold powder
Nib: No.10/ 18K / 85th anniversary design
Nib size: M (Medium), B (Broad)
Size: Length 137mm x max. diameter 14.2mm
Filling system: PILOT cartridge system / converter70 attached
Box: Exclusive wooden box with laser engraving
Set contains: Fountain pen, bottle of black ink, serial number plate, wiping cloth, leaflet, instruction booklet
For the 80th anniversary of our foundation, we produced the Miyabi and Shijin series in order to recall the passion of our predecessors, including the founder of our company who staked everything on the production of fountain pens, while at the same time preserving invaluable techniques for the new century. Both of these series make use of Maki-e and lacquer techniques that have been continuously handed down from the time of our founding.
The Miyabi series highlights three themes: Soushi-e, Kai-awase, and Bugaku. The origins of Maki-e can be traced back to the Nara period (AD710–794). Later, Maki-e developed significantly during the Heian period (AD794–1185), when the Fujiwara aristocracy embraced the sophisticated sensibilities of the technique’s intricate lines and use of colors. Through the culmination of Maki-e techniques that have been refined since our founding, this series expresses the elegant world of the Heian dynasty, which lasted for four hundred years.
The Shijin series, which consists of fountain pens in Lacquer Black and Lacquer Vermillion, is based on a model from the early Showa era (AD1926–89) called the “Balance-type body with Lacquer Band Decoration,” and it fully demonstrates the lacquer techniques we have cultivated over the years. Shijin, the four gods established by the people of ancient China as “guardians of the four directions of heaven” adorn the lacquer band around the cap.
During the Heian period (AD794–1185), booklets called soushi were made for aristocratic women that were filled with stories, diary entries, and poetry using pictures and text written in kana (Japanese script). The Soushi-e fountain pen illustrates two scenes depicted in such works.
[Cap: From Chapter 50, “Azumaya” (The Eastern Cottage) in The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu / Barrel: From Paragraph 299, “Koroho no Yuki” (Snow on Mt. Koro) in The Pillow Book by Sei Shonagon]
FFV-80MR-SEM
Kai-awase is a game in which clam shells are divided into left and right sides, with the objective of finding matching pairs of clam shells. Later on, the game was refined by painting pictures and writing matching verses from poems on the undersides of the shells. The Kai-awase fountain pen features original motifs of seasonal flowers and plants (plum in spring, wisteria in summer, autumn leaves in autumn, and snow in winter). A peony arabesque has been applied to the gold background using the Togidashi Maki-e (Burnished Maki-e) technique.
FFV-80MR-KAM
Bugaku refers to gagaku (music of the ancient Japanese court) accompanied by dance, especially the forms known as Togaku (introduced from China) and Komagaku (introduced from Korea), which were performed in ceremonies and rituals at Japanese courts, temples, and shrines. Two motifs are featured on the Bugaku fountain pen.
[Cap: “Ranryo-o” – Inspired by the legend of the Prince of Lanling (Gao Changgong) of the Qi dynasty, who was a man of military prowess, courage, and wisdom, but who had a beautiful, feminine face. To hide his face, he wore a fearsome mask with a dragon on his head and won a great victory over the Zhou army. / Barrel: “Genjoraku” – This dance evokes the joy of capturing a snake and is performed in a mask depicting the northern tribespeople of ancient China.]
FFV-80MR-BUM
Shijin is a reproduction of a model used in the early Showa era (AD1926–89) called the “Balance-type body with Lacquer Band Decoration.”
The lacquer band decoration is adorned with the Shijin, the “guardians of the four directions of heaven,” which represent the microcosm established by the people of ancient China. These four divine beasts preside over their respective directions: Seiryu(Azure Dragon) of the East, Byakko(White Tiger) of the West, Suzaku(Phoenix) of the South, and Genbu(Black Tortoise with Snake) of the North. Produced in two colors, Lacquer Black and Lacquer Vermillion, both versions are rendered with a beautiful, glossy non-oil lacquer finish.
FF-8MR-BM
Shijin is a reproduction of a model used in the early Showa era (AD1926–89) called the “Balance-type body with Lacquer Band Decoration.”
The lacquer band decoration is adorned with the Shijin, the “guardians of the four directions of heaven,” which represent the microcosm established by the people of ancient China. These four divine beasts preside over their respective directions: Seiryu(Azure Dragon) of the East, Byakko(White Tiger) of the West, Suzaku(Phoenix) of the South, and Genbu(Black Tortoise with Snake) of the North. Produced in two colors, Lacquer Black and Lacquer Vermillion, both versions are rendered with a beautiful, glossy non-oil lacquer finish.
FF-8MR-RM
林 勝
銘 勝
Masaru Hayashi
Signature Masaru
Soushi-e
Barrel, cap: Ebonite with Togidashi-Taka Maki-e (Burnished-Raised Maki-e) <Gold with Raden (Mother-of-Pearl)>
Nib: No.20 / 18K / 80th anniversary design
Nib size: M (Medium), B(Broad)
Size: Length 145.9mm x max. diameter 17.2mm
Filling system: PILOT cartridge system / converter70 attached
Box: Luxurious lacquered box
Set contains: Fountain pen, bottled ink, high-grade leather pen pouch, Mini letter paper, envelopes, leaflet, instruction booklet, customer registration card
坂本康則
銘 康則
Yasunori Sakamoto
Signature Yasunori
Kai-awase
Barrel, cap: Ebonite with Shishiai Togidashi-Taka Maki-e (Combined Burnished-Raised Maki-e) <Gold base with sprinkled gold powder>
Nib: No.20 / 18K / 80th anniversary design
Nib size: M (Medium), B(Broad)
Size: Length 145.9mm x max. diameter 17.2mm
Filling system: PILOT cartridge system / converter70 attached
Box: Luxurious lacquered box
Set contains: Fountain pen, bottled ink, high-grade leather pen pouch, Mini letter paper, envelopes, leaflet, instruction booklet, customer registration card
吉田久斎
銘 久斎
Kyusai Yoshida
Signature Kyusai
Bugaku
Barrel, cap: Ebonite with Togidashi-Taka Maki-e (Burnished-Raised Maki-e) <Rankaku (Eggshell), Raden (Mother-of-Pearl), and Byakudan-nuri (one of the unique lacquer technique)>
Nib: No.20 / 18K / 80th anniversary design
Nib size: M (Medium), B(Broad)
Size: Length 145.9mm x max. diameter 17.2mm
Filling system: PILOT cartridge system / converter70 attached
Box: Luxurious lacquered box
Set contains: Fountain pen, bottled ink, high-grade leather pen pouch, Mini letter paper, envelopes, leaflet, instruction booklet, customer registration card
Shijin, Lacquer Black
Barrel, cap: Brass with Roiro Urushi Shiage (non-oil lacquer finish) in Lacquer Black
Nib: No.20 / 18K / 80th anniversary design
Nib size: M (Medium), B(Broad)
Size: Length 149.2mm x max. diameter 17.2mm
Filling system: PILOT cartridge system / converter70 attached
Box: Luxurious lacquered case
Set contains: Fountain pen, bottled ink, high-grade leather pen pouch, Mini letter paper, envelopes, leaflet, instruction booklet, customer registration card
Shijin, Lacquer Vermillion
Barrel, cap: Brass with Roiro Urushi Shiage (non-oil lacquer finish) in Lacquer Vermillion
Nib: No.20 / 18K / 80th anniversary design
Nib size: M (Medium), B(Broad)
Size: Length 149.2mm x max. diameter 17.2mm
Filling system: PILOT cartridge system / converter70 attached
Box: Luxurious lacquered box
Set contains: Fountain pen, bottled ink, high-grade leather pen pouch, Mini letter paper, envelopes, leaflet, instruction booklet, customer registration card
In celebration of our 105th anniversary, we are proud to announce a commemorative fountain pen whose motif is the "White Rabbit of Inaba," a tale recorded in Japan's oldest historical chronicle, the Kojiki. The pen features a passage of the myth where Okuninushi happens upon the weeping injured white rabbit at the Cape. The story's themes of integrity and kindness retain their significance in modern society, where we strive to embrace the richness of diversity.
In Japan, the rabbit is thought to fend off misfortune and foster the prosperity of generations to come. In China, the rabbit is a god of longevity, and in some places in Europe, it is a lucky charm that safeguards against danger. Inspired by the rabbit's remarkable leaping ability—which has made it a worldwide symbol of luck throughout history—we directed our hopes towards a leap into the future.
The cap depicts a rabbit asking for advice and Okuninushi providing it, rendered with Taka Maki-e (Raised Maki-e). On the barrel, a jumping rabbit is ornately rendered with Taka Maki-e, its beautiful fur expressed with the hairline engraving technique. At the feet of the rabbit, the wani from the story (mythical sea creatures thought to represent sharks or crocodiles) are made to resemble rocks, and are given a three-dimensional effect using Shishiai Togidashi-Taka Maki-e (Combined Burnished-Raised Maki-e). This commemorative fountain pen was crafted by Maki-e artisan Masahiro Yamada, spurred by the wish to leap into the future.
F-P105TH23-SRU-M
山田満佐博
銘 満佐博
Masahiro Yamada
Signature Masahiro
White Rabbit
Barrel, cap: Ebonite with Shishiai Togidashi-Taka Maki-e (Combined Burnished-Raised Maki-e)
Nib: No.50 / 18K / M (Medium) / 105th anniversary design
Size: Length 176 mm × max. diameter 19.7 mm
Filling system: Eye dropper filling system
Box: Exclusive Kiso lacquered box
Set contains: Fountain pen, eyedropper, bottle of black ink, serial number plate, artist card,
polishing care cloth, leaflet, instruction booklet, fountain pen guarantee, customer registration card
