Soka Monyo, Floral Design Maki-e Collection

2006 Limited Edition Fountain Pen

 

"Nominee in the 2007 Pen World Reader's Choice Awards -- Best Maki-e" Soka Monya Maki-E Fountain Pen by Conway Stewart

Based on the classic Churchill model, our first maki-e pen is made in the traditional manner of repeated applications of lacquer and gold powder being applied by the artist until the base design is complete. Further hand application of enamels and mother of pearl are then sealed and hand finished to produce a true work of art. Each pen takes several months to complete and is complimented by its own distinctive case.

 

Conway Stewart is working with many highly praised and recognized Maki-e artists for its 2006 collection. Soka Monyo is the second pen in the spring collection crafted by the renowned artisan, Mr. Koichiro Okazaki. Mr. Koichiro Okazaki's work name is Kogaku-san. He drew his inspiration for the design of the Soka Monyo from flowers throughout the season: sakura, wisteria and Japanese larch. They are displayed within geometric shapes, bordered in thick gold, using the striking contrast of black for the background.

The Conway Stewart Soka Monyo is available in a worldwide limited edition of 25 pieces. Each piece carries Kogaku-san's signature, and the coveted Red Seal signature signifying the highest level of Maki-e art.

The Floral Design showcases a wide range of many different methods of Maki-e art and techniques used on this bold and striking work. Tsukegaki technique (fine raised lines of lacquer, dusted with gold powder, mostly used for wave patterns), togidashi maki-e (a labor-intensive technique that results in a design completely flush with the surface, utilizing the repetition of paintings, powder sprinkling, and burnishing), taka maki-e (many thin layers of genuine urushi lacquer, with sabi, charcoal or tin powders applied over one another to create slightly raised portions), kakiwari technique (the design is left in reverse in order to reveal the underlying layer of lacquer, particularly useful for fine details such as the veining of a leaf), hira maki-e (design is drawn onto the urushi surface and, using powder sprinkling tools such as cotton, crane quills and bamboo in various sizes gold powder is sprinkled over the lacquer. The design is polished once the urushi has hardened), and shishiai maki-e (the mixed use of taka and togidashi methods).

 

Pianki is proud to offer the Soka Monya Limited Edition Maki-e Fountain Pen, a Conway Stewart original, as one our esteemed expensive luxury gifts.