“The Tale of Genji” Kyo Maki-e fountain pens are produced in limited edition by The Sailor Pen Co.,Ltd. to celebrate the one thousand-year anniversary of “The Tale of Genji” on November 1st, 2008.
“Tale of Genji” is the most ancient surviving full-length novel in the world and is highly respected as a superb literary heritage. It has great influence in the traditional culture and the performing arts of Japan, as well as on the Japanese people’s aesthetic sense and thinking. This classic story is still read today, enriching the hearts and minds not only of the Japanese people but of people worldwide.
The “Mikado” and “Chugu” series fountain pens are produced by The Sailor Pen Co.,Ltd. in the special large ‘King of Pens’ profile.

The superior level “Mikado” series is created by Mr. Hiroshi Ito an influential Kyo Maki-e master artist. The “Mikado” series is fitted with the legendary ‘King Eagle’ nib designed by Mr. Nobuyoshi Nagahara.

Model name: "KOCHO" -Chapter 24-
Number: 10-9317-820
Materials: Ebonite
Filling system: Converter & Cartridge type
Nib selection: Nagahara King Eagle 21K Gold
Limited Edition: 8 pcs

Model name: "AOI" -Chapter 9-
Number: 10-9318-820
Materials: Ebonite
Filling system: Converter & Cartridge type
Nib selection: Nagahara King Eagle 21K Gold
Limited Edition: 8 pcs

Model name: "MOMIJI-NO-GA" -Chapter 7-
Number: 10-9319-820
Materials: Ebonite
Filling system: Converter & Cartridge type
Nib selection: Nagahara King Eagle 21K Gold
Limited Edition: 8 pcs

"MIKADO" series Kyo Maki-e Artist
Hiroshi Ito

Mr. Ito was born in Kyoto and studied polychrome lacquer at Kyoto School of Arts and Crafts and he mastered the color techniques of Urushi art under Mr. Kakutaro Yamazaki (1899-1984) - a great authority of Urushi artists in Japan.
After his artwork was awarded first prize by The Nitten in 1953, he has been awarded many prizes in art exhibitions. His great works are stored and exhibited in many art museums. More recently he has won the 60th Japan Art Academy Prize in 2005.
His personal aim is ‘to retain and spread the tradition of superior Urushi beauty’ in his efforts to educate and develop younger artists. He is still resident in Kyoto and has assumed many important positions.

Membership

Director of The Nitten (The Japan Fine Arts Exhibition)
Director of Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts
Executive Director of Japan Urushi Arts and Crafts Association
Director of The Kyoto Artist Makers Association
 

PEN WORLD ANNOUNCES 2009 READER’S CHOICE AWARDS WINS!

The Most Prestigious 2009 Pen of the year
“MIKADO”series
The Best Maki-e artistry 2009
“MOMIJI-NO-GA”

The “Chugu” series is created by Ms. Misako Azumai a young Kyo Maki-e artist. The “Chugu” series is fitted with the ‘Naginata Cross-Point’ nib designed by Mr. Nobuyoshi Nagahara.

Model name: "WAKANA" -Chapter 34-
Number: 10-9917-820
Materials: Ebonite
Filling system: Converter & Cartridge type
Nib selection: Naginata Cross-Point 21K Gold
Limited Edition: 50 pcs

Model name: "UKIFUNE" -Chapter 51-
Number: 10-9918-820
Materials: Ebonite
Filling system: Converter & Cartridge type
Nib selection: Naginata Cross-Point 21K Gold
Limited Edition: 50 pcs

Model name: "SUMA" -Chapter 12-
Number: 10-9919-820
Materials: Ebonite
Filling system: Converter & Cartridge type
Nib selection: Naginata Cross-Point 21K Gold
Limited Edition: 50 pcs

"CHUGU" series Kyo Maki-e Artist
Misako Azumai

Ms. Azumai was born in Kyoto and after high school she studied lacquer craft art at the Kyoto School of Traditional Art. Her graduation work was exhibited at the MIA exhibition in Italy and attracted much attention. While learning the traditional Kyo Maki-e techniques under master Mr. Tadao Kunieda, she started to create her own special artworks. Her special Kyo Maki-e techniques are highly appreciated especially for the delicate and feminine style. She is still resident in Kyoto and has begun a new career opportunity to produce ‘Kyo Maki-e’ series with The Sailor Pen Co., Ltd. since 2007.  .

“THE TALE OF GENJI”

“KOHI Series”

The series is a collection of 10 models depicting various chapters of The Tale of Genji.  Each model in the collection is produced in only 88 pieces worldwide.

Ms. Misako Azumai also created the “Kohi” series.

Ms. Azumai was born in Kyoto and after high school she studied lacquer craft art at the Kyoto School of Traditional Art. Her graduation work was exhibited at the MIA exhibition in Italy and attracted much attention. While learning the traditional Kyo Maki-e techniques under master Mr. Tadao Kunieda, she started to create her own special artworks. Her special Kyo Maki-e techniques are highly appreciated especially for the delicate and feminine style. She is still resident in Kyoto. 

Model name: "Agemaki" -Chapter 47- Trefoil Knots
Number: 10-9066-020
Materials: Resin
Filling system: Converter & Cartridge type
Nib selection: 21K Gold in F, M and B.
Limited Edition: 88 pcs

Model name: "Hahakiki" -Chapter 2- The Broom tree.
Number: 10-9079-020
Materials: Resin
Filling system: Converter & Cartridge type
Nib selection: 21K Gold in F, M and B.
Limited Edition: 88 pcs

Model name: "Hanachirosato" -Chapter 11- The Orange blossoms
Number: 10-9068-020
Materials: Resin
Filling system: Converter & Cartridge type
Nib selection: 21K Gold in F, M and B.
Limited Edition: 88 pcs

Model name: "Matsukaze" -Chapter 18- Wind through the pine trees
Number: 10-9069-020
Materials: Resin
Filling system: Converter & Cartridge type
Nib selection: 21K Gold in F, M and B.
Limited Edition: 88 pcs

Model name: "Fuji-no-Uraba" -Chapter 33- Wisteria
Number: 10-9076-020
Materials: Resin
Filling system: Converter & Cartridge type
Nib selection: 21K Gold in F, M and B.
Limited Edition: 88 pcs

Model name: "Sakaki" -Chapter 10- The sacred tree
Number: 10-9067-020
Materials: Resin
Filling system: Converter & Cartridge type
Nib selection: 21K Gold in F, M and B.
Limited Edition: 88 pcs

Model name: "Hotaru" -Chapter 25- Fireflies
Number: 10-9070-020
Materials: Resin
Filling system: Converter & Cartridge type
Nib selection: 21K Gold in F, M and B.
Limited Edition: 88 pcs

Model name: "Minori" -Chapter 40- The Law
Number: 10-9070-020
Materials: Resin
Filling system: Converter & Cartridge type
Nib selection: 21K Gold in F, M and B.
Limited Edition: 88 pcs

Model name: "Yugao" -Chapter 4- Moonflower
Number: 10-9078-020
Materials: Resin
Filling system: Converter & Cartridge type
Nib selection: 21K Gold in F, M and B.
Limited Edition: 88 pcs

Model name: "Hana-no-en" -Chapter 8- The Cherry banquet
Number: 10-9077-020
Materials: Resin
Filling system: Converter & Cartridge type
Nib selection: 21K Gold in F, M and B.
Limited Edition: 88 pcs