Pelikan Japanese Editions
- 2000 - Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Four Seasons" Set
- 2002 - Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Genji"
- 2003 - Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Mubyo" & "Takara-zukushi"
- 2005 - Pelikan Souveran M800 Raden "Gekko" & "Kyokko"
- 2005 - Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Dragon & Phoenix"
- 2007 - Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Heavenly Maidens of Dunhuang" & "Karajishi"
- 2008 - Pelikan Souveran M800 Maki-e "Cherry Blossom" & "Autumn Leaves"
- 2009 - Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Sea-World" & "Renjishi"
- 2010 - Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Maiko in Kyoto" & "Fireworks"
- 2010 - Pelikan Souveran M1000 Raden "Gekko"
- 2011 - Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Four-leave Clover"
- 2012 - Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Ginko and Maple Leaves" & "Mount Fuji and Cranes"
- 2012 - Unique Collection Auction Pens
- 2013 - Pelikan Souveran M1000 Raden "Kyokko""
- 2013 - Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Fantasia"
- 2014 - Pelikan Souveran M1000 Raden "Starlight"
- 2014 - Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Seaside"
- 2014 - Unique Collection Auction Pens
- 2015 - Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Koi" & "Autumn Flowers"
- 2016 - Pelikan Souveran M1000 Raden "Sunrise Red"
- 2016 - Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Spring and Autumn"
- 2017 - Pelikan Souveran M800 Raden "Royal Gold"
- 2017 - Pelikan Souveran M800 Maki-e "Dragonfly"
Disclaimer on Pricing and Valuation
Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Four Seasons" - Limited Edition of 20 Sets of 4 Fountain Pens
Based on the Souveran M1000 model, the Maki-e "Four Seasons" Series was the first Maki-e (a combination of Taka-maki-e and Togidashi-maki-e techniques) pens issued by Pelikan - these pens were produced in Germany and the Maki-e artwork was done in Japan by renowned Japanese craftsmen. These masterpieces sport a finely-chased 18-carat gold nib accented with a platinum decor and Maki-e Pelikan logo. The limited edition number and the artist's signature are written by hand in each pen.
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Ohka Shun-cho | Spring
- Cherry blossoms created with golf foils accompanied by butterflies drawn with gold, silver and platinum powder on Nashiji background sprinkled with gold powder.
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Asagao Natsu-botaru | Summer
- Morning-glory drawn with gold, silver and platinum powder decorated with platinum grains, gold foils, and Aogai shell, along with fireflies drawn using red and black lacquer on a gold background.
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Kohyoh Suzu-musi | Autumn
- Autumn leaves drawn with gold, silver and platinum powder inlaid with platinum grains and golf foils among bell rings insects created using Aogai shell on vermilion lacquer background.
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Yukiwa Fuyu-usagi | Winter
- Snow crystals are drawn with gold, silver and platinum powder enhanced with platinum grains, Aogai shell and crushed eggshell in the presence of white hares on Hashiji background.
The Process of Making a Pelikan Maki-e Pen
Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Genji" Limited Edition of 60 pieces (2 variants)
- Similar to the models launched in the year 2000 (Four Seasons), these Pelikan Maki-e Series were also based on the Souveran M1000 model. This edition was called the "Genji" Set and comprised two pens: the "Genji Aoi no Ue" (Clouds and Vines) and the "Hikaru Genji" (Clouds, wheels, and hollyhock).These pens sport an 18-carat gold nib a Maki-e Pelikan logo. The limited edition number and the artist's signature are written in by hand in each pen.
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| The Pelikan "Genji Aoi no Ue" (bottom) and the Pelikan "Hikaru Genji" (top) Maki-e fountain pens |
Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Mubyo" & "Takara-zukushi" Limited Edition of 60 pieces (2 variants)
- Similar to the models launched in the year 2002, these Pelikan Maki-e Series were also based on the Souveran M1000 model. This edition comprised two pens: the "Mubyo" (Health) and the "Takara-zukushi" (Wealth), sporting an 18-carat gold nib a Maki-e Pelikan logo. The limited edition number and the artist's signature are written in by hand in each pen.
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Pelikan Souveran M800 Raden "Gekko" (Moonlight) and "Kyokko" (Sunlight) Limited Edition of 200 pieces (2 variants)
- “Kyokko” (Sunlight) and “Gekko” (Moonlight) are Raden fountain pens, based on the Model Souveran M800, handmade with mother-of-pearl particles. Raden is a traditional Japanese decorative craft used for lacquerware and woodwork.
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| "Kyokko" | Sunlight |
- The bodies of these pens are made with the abalone shells. As the size of the abalone is small, the parts used for Raden are limited. The abalone shell is placed on the ground and flattened with a hard stone into very thin sheets. These sheets are cut into narrow strips and then affixed to the coating of lacquer around the cap and the barrel of the M800 fountain pen. Once again, it is coated with lacquer, and then the surface is polished.
- The Pelikan logo is drawn with the famous Maki-e technique, surrounded by matching colours of particles of the abalone shell.
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| "Gekko" | Moonlight |
Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Dragon and Phoenix" Limited Edition of 88 pieces
- The "Dragon and the Phoenix" are the most important creatures in Chinese mythology and are surrounded by a wealth of legend and folklore. Historically it was the right of the Chinese Emperor to bear the dragon, while the Phoenix was the main decorative motive in the costumes of the Empresses of China. The spirit of these beasts is still very much a living part of Chinese culture.
The Pelikan Souveran M100 “Dragon and Phoenix” is a maki-e masterpiece with a finely-chased 18-carat gold nib accentuated with a rhodium décor. The Pelikan logo on the crown, limited edition number and artist’s signature are drawn in by hand with the Maki-e technique. This maki-e edition of the model Souveraen 1000 is produced in Germany and then decorated in Japan.
Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Heavenly Maidens of Dunhuang" & "Karajishi" Limited Edition of 88 pieces each
- Similar to the models launched in 2005, these Pelikan Maki-e Series were also based on the Souveran M1000 model. This edition comprised two pens: the "Heavenly Maidens of Dunhuang" and the Karajishi (Chinese lion), sporting an 18-carat gold nib and a Maki-e Pelikan logo. The limited edition number and the artist's signature are written in by hand in each pen.
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| "Heavenly Maidens of Dunhuang" |
- “Heavenly Maidens of Dunhuang” is a work inspired by wall paintings with more than 1,000 years of history. With their innocent and elegant look, the maidens dance in fine airy robes, wear colourful belts expressing the freedom of their spirits and play musical instruments. They represent the supreme goodness, truth and beauty. Ancient people believed that the heavenly maidens were the symbol of good luck. “Heavenly Maidens of Dunhuang” is a masterpiece created under the theme of Dunhuang culture with eternal history.
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| "Karajishi" |
- "Karajishi" is an imaginary lion introduced from the Tang Dynasty (7th to 10th century) to Japan. In both the East and West, a lion has been considered to be a precious luck-bringing animal that averts evil, beckons happiness and promotes joy. The two lions and coloured balls depicted on the fountain pen are believed to realize your dreams and bring joy and fortune to you. Maki-e is a traditional Japanese technique to create ornamental lacquer ware, and this technique was used to illustrate the "Karajishi".
Pelikan Souveran M800 Maki-e "Cherry Blossom" & "Autumn Leaves" Limited Edition of 250 pieces each
- Similar in design to the models launched in the year 2005 ("Raden Gekko" and "Raden Kyokko"), this Pelikan Maki-e Series was also based on the Souveran M800 model. This edition comprised two pens: the "Cherry Blossom" and the "Autumn Leaves". These pens sport an 18-carat gold nib with a Maki-e Pelikan logo. The limited edition number and the artist's signature are written in by hand in each pen.
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| "Cherry Blossom" (top) and "Autumn Leaves" (bottom) |
Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Sea-World" & "Renjishi" Limited Edition of 88 pieces each
- Similar to the models launched in 2007, these Pelikan Maki-e Series were also based on the Souveran M1000 model. This edition comprised two pens: the "Sea-World" and the Renjishi (a Kabuki play), sporting an 18-carat gold nib and a Maki-e Pelikan logo. The limited edition number and the artist's signature are written in by hand in each pen.
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| "Sea-World" |
- Our planet is covered by 360 million square kilometres of water. The history of the oceans is as old as the earth itself, and all life on our planet originates from the depths of the oceans. These came into being what feels like an eternity ago - an estimated 4.6 billion years. The motifs on the "Sea-World" fountain pen symbolize this history: The turtle - the symbol for a long life - forms the centre-point, surrounded by numerous fish. It is produced using an elaborate mother-of-pearl inlay technique.
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| "Renjishi" |
- The tale of "Renjishi" was written by Mokuami Kawatake based upon a moral story in which a parent pushes his children down into the bottomless valley with the intention of raising only those who are able to run back up from the valley. This story is regarded as the representative piece of Kabuki dancing, and truly touches the audience’s heart as it is performed by a real parent and son. The climax of this performance is painted on the Pelikan fountain pen “Renjishi”, where the white-haired parent and the red-haired child dance together wildly as a perfect match.
Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Maiko in Kyoto" & "Fireworks" Limited Edition of 88 pieces each
- Similar to the models launched in 2009, these Pelikan Maki-e Series were also based on the Souveran M1000 model. This edition comprised two pens: the "Maiko in Kyoto" and the "Fireworks", sporting an 18-carat gold nib and a Maki-e Pelikan logo. The limited edition number and the artist's signature are written in by hand in each pen.
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| "Maiko in Kyoto" |
- A "Maiko" is a young apprentice who trains in arts and customer service manners. In the old days, girls started out as Maikos between the ages of 9 to 12, though the lower age limit has now been raised to after graduation from junior high school. Young and under the apprenticeship status, a Maiko wears a furisode, a long-sleeved kimono for unmarried women, adjusted at the shoulders and hemmed up. Due to the flashy outfit of lacquered clogs with rounded soles and dangling sash, a Maiko is now said to be the epitome of beauty for young Japanese women. The Pelikan Maki-e fountain pen “Maiko in Kyoto” depicts a graceful Maiko, standing on a stone pavement in cherry blossom petals with the historical five-storied pagoda of Kyoto in the background.
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| "Fireworks" |
- In general, most of the fireworks from Japan and China explode into a circular form. The ones in which each spark leaves a trail behind are called Kiku-mono, or the chrysanthemum type. The ones in which the sparks do not leave trails behind them are called Botan-mono, or the peony type. For the Maki-e process, the rare Japanese lacquer Urushi is used in a multitude of layers which are polished many times. The design is drawn with coloured lacquer onto the surface. It is then sprinkled with a multitude of lacquer-layers. This is called the Togidashi-Maki-e technique, and it was used for the Pelikan fountain pen model “Fireworks”. To illustrate the theme of fireworks, the artist also employed mother-of-pearl work and cut-gold work to vividly recreate the traditional pleasure for the eyes.
Pelikan Souveran M1000 Raden "Gekko" (Moonlight) Limited Edition of 200 pieces
- Following on the success of the Souveran M800 Raden "Gekko” (Moonlight) launched in 2005, Pelikan decided to relaunch the "Gekko" in 2010 in the larger M1000 format. As with its predecessor, the pen is handmade with the same type of abalone and mother-of-pearl particles in the Raden-technique.
Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Four-leave Clover" Limited Edition of 88 pieces
- The four-leaf clover is one of the most famous good luck charms. According to an ancient European legend, anyone finding a four-leaf clover will also find happiness since, being very rare, it is considered to be a powerful talisman. Each individual leaf of the four-leaf clover has a specific meaning: fame, wealth, faithful love, and glorious health and, combined, are believed to bring good luck. Pelikan’s Maki-e fountain pen “Four-Leaf Clover” depicts one five-leaf clover and six four-leaf clovers together with many three-leaf clovers and employs mother-of-pearl and cut-gold work amongst other techniques, to vividly recreate this fabulous pen.
Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Ginko and Maple Leaves" & "Mount Fuji and Cranes" Limited Edition of 88 pieces each
- Similar to the model launched in 2011, these Pelikan Maki-e Series were also based on the Souveran M1000 model. This edition comprised two pens: the "Ginko and Maple Leaves" and the "Fuji and Cranes", sporting an 18-carat gold nib and a Maki-e Pelikan logo. The limited edition number and the artist's signature are written in by hand in each pen.
- The fountain pen “Ginko & Maple Leaves” shows the traditional autumn motifs of Japan – glittering leaves that look as if they have just twirled from the tree in the first autumn wind, with golden splashes of colour that show this magnificent season and its warm sunlight at its best.
- Painting Japan’s venerated symbols of Mount Fuji and cranes, Pelikan’s “Mount Fuji and Cranes” Maki-e Fountain Pen marries 174 years of exquisite Pelikan Germany craftsmanship with the revered Japanese traditional Maki-e techniques. A renowned Maki-e Master paints three cranes – cherished symbols of long life and good luck – flying elegantly along Japan’s sacred Mount Fuji with delicate hazy clouds and cherry blossoms serving as the background.
Pelikan 2012 Unique Collection Auction Pens - Limited Edition of 1 piece each and a Set of 4 pens
- For the first time ever, Pelikan offered an international auction that allowed collectors to bid for a truly unique pen(s). A choice of 11 variants of a single produced Maki-e fountain pen plus one set of 4 pens.
- Nº 1 - Snow Crystal by Mitsuhiro Seki / Souveran M800
- Nº 2 - Morning Glory by Mitsuhiro Seki / Souveran M800
- Nº 3a (Set - 1 of 4) - Four Seasons - Spring by Mitsuhiro Seki / Souveran M800
- Nº 3b (Set - 2 of 4) - Four Seasons - Summer by Mitsuhiro Seki / Souveran M800
- Nº 3c (Set - 3 of 4) - Four Seasons - Autumn by Mitsuhiro Seki / Souveran M800
- Nº 3d (Set - 3 of 4) - Four Seasons - Winter by Mitsuhiro Seki / Souveran M800
- Nº 4 - Maki-e Toledo by Mushu Yamazaki / Souveran M1000
- Nº 5 - Pelikans in Japan by Yoshiaki Nitta / Souveran M1000
- Nº 6 - Eight Tools by Shozo Nakamura / Souveran M1000
- Nº 7 - September Morning in Japan by Mushu Yamazaki / Souveran M1000
- Nº 8 - New Year (Gold) by Mushu Yamazaki / Souveran M1000
- Nº 9 - New Year (Black) by Mushu Yamazaki / Souveran M1000
- Nº 10 - Samurai by Mushu Yamazaki / Souveran M1000
- Nº 11 - Ocean Mystery by Mushu Yamazaki / Souveran M1000
- Nº 12 - Byakko (White Tiger) by Mushu Yamazaki / Souveran M1000
Pelikan Souveran M1000 Raden "Kyokko" (Sunlight) Limited Edition of 200 pieces
- Following on the success of the Souveran M800 Raden "Kyokko” (Sunlight) launched in 2005, Pelikan decided to relaunch the "Kyokko" in 2013 in the larger M1000 format. As with its predecessor, the pen is handmade with the same type of abalone and mother-of-pearl particles in the Raden-technique.
Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Fantasia" Limited Edition of 88 pieces
- Instead of the more typical landscapes, the "Fantasia" depicts a traditional Japanese design called “Komon Pattern”, which is commonly used for elegant Japanese Kimonos. Eight hexagons with eight different styles create subtle colour combinations that delight the eye. The hexagons are surrounded by cherry blossoms in a reddish golden colour which are based on a varying background that is painted with the “Byakudan-Nuri” technique, using gold leaf and clear lacquer. Due to this technique, the lacquer shimmers with surprising depth in a red and orange glow when you turn the fountain pen in your hands.
For the Pelikan Maki-e fountain pen "Fantasia", the elaborate Kaga Togidashi-Taka-Maki-e technique was used. Each fountain pen has an 18 carat, bi-color gold nib in size M and is encased in a traditional Japanese pen box made of Paulownia wood.
Pelikan Souveran M1000 Raden "Starlight" Limited Edition of 333 pieces
- The fountain pen M1000 Starlight is made with particles from the abalone shell which originates in the Japanese Sea. These sheets are cut into narrow strips and then affixed in varying pattern around the cap and the barrel. The free parts are decorated with gold dust which is sprinkled over the fountain pen until it looks like a star-spangled night sky. Afterward, the fountain pen is once again coated with lacquer, and then the surface is polished. The Pelikan fountain pens M1000 "Starlight" are masterpieces with finely-chased 18 carat gold nibs in the size M, accentuated with a rhodium décor.
Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Seaside" Limited Edition of 88 pieces
- The glittering water of the curling wave on the barrel immediately draws the eye to this fantastic painting of Maki-e artist Shozo Nakamura. He modeled the design of the Pelikan "Seaside" fountain pen on the painting ”The great wave of Kanagawa” by Hokusai Katsushika. Due to the skilful use of tiny pieces of mother-of-pearl and egg shell, the painting on this extraordinary Pelikan M1000 fountain pen comes alive. To complete the seaside feeling, the cap is decorated with two Japanese traditional kites, also taken from the Edo Era, and plover birds that swoop over the waves.
Pelikan 2014 Unique Collection Auction Pens - Limited Edition of 1 piece each
- For the second time, Pelikan offered an international auction that allowed collectors to bid for a truly unique pen. A choice of 17 variants of a run of a single produced Maki-e fountain pen.
- Nº 1 - Lines of Fire by Hoshukai / Souveran M800
- Nº 2 - Saikalha by Hoshukai / Souveran M800
- Nº 3 - Milky Way by Hoshukai / Souveran M800
- Nº 4 - Blue Mount Fuji by Yoshiaki Nitta / Souveran M1000
- Nº 5 - Crane and Turtle by Yoshiaki Nitta / Souveran M1000
- Nº 6 - Ichimatsu by Yoshiaki Nitta / Souveran M1000
- Nº 7 - Feathers by Yoshiaki Nitta / Souveran M1000
- Nº 8 - Playing Cats by Hakuu Masuda / Souveran M1000
- Nº 9 - The Beauty of Nature by Mitsuhiro Ishikura / Souveran M800
- Nº 10 - Paper Cranes by Hakuu Masuda / Souveran M1000
- Nº 11 - Ivy by Hakuu Masuda / Souveran M1000
- Nº 12 - Sunset by Hakuu Masuda / Souveran M800
- Nº 13 - Wealth Violet by Mushu Yamazaki / Souveran M1000
- Nº 14 - Health Green by Mushu Yamazaki / Souveran M1000
- Nº 15 - Wealth Gold by Mushu Yamazaki / Souveran M1000
- Nº 16 - Health Gold by Mushu Yamazaki / Souveran M1000
- Nº 17 - Sharakku and Utamaro by Mushu Yamazaki / Souveran M1000
Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Koi" & "Autumn Flowers" Limited Edition of 88 pieces each
- Similar to the models launched the previous year, these Pelikan Maki-e Series were also based on the Souveran M1000 model. This edition comprised two pens: the "Koi" and the "Autumn Flowers", sporting an 18-carat gold nib.
- The colorful fish from Japan called "Koi" are not only revered for their beauty; they are intrinsically tied to Japanese culture. Every Japanese child knows the story of a "Koi" that battled its way up a waterfall in order to become a dragon, and that’s why these fish are a symbol for endurance, strength, and the determination to reach your goal. With immense love for detail, the artist drew the "Koi" and their habitat on this stupendous fountain pen in the size M1000.
- For this unusual Maki-e motif, the background was decorated in a generous grid pattern by using semi-transparent red and black lacquer stripes. One of the techniques used here is called “Kakiwari“, and only very skilful artists can realise it: a tiny line or gap is left between different drawings which creates a three dimensional effect. The bell flower was added into this elegant composition by using blue mother of pearl particles. There’s a hushed quality about this painting that speaks of golden summer days and a touch of melancholy as autumn comes.
Pelikan Souveran M1000 Raden "Sunrise Red" Limited Edition of 333 pieces
- The fountain pen M1000 Raden "Sunrise Red" is first painted in a deep red colour, using the special Japanese Urushi lacquer. Then the colourful stripes are made with particles from the abalone shell, which originates in the Japanese Sea. In the production process, the shell is placed on the ground and flattened with a hard stone into very thin sheets. These sheets are cut into narrow strips and then affixed to the coating of lacquer around the cap and the barrel of the M1000 fountain pen. Afterward, the fountain pen is once again coated with lacquer, and then the surface is polished.
Pelikan Souveran M1000 Maki-e "Spring and Autumn" Limited Edition of 111 pieces
- As symbols of spring and autumn, Cherry Blossom and Maple are drawn on the cap and the barrel of the fountain pen. Three traditional Japanese designs are drawn and depicted on the cap background: a water stream in the green area, a hemp leaf pattern in the brown area and a golden stripe applied by using a lot of tiny pieces of gold foil. Additional artistic designs are drawn and featured on the barrel along with tiny pieces of blue shell used to create and make the beautiful Raden stripe. A never ending line pattern is drawn in the violet area which represents and implies eternal love. The “Spring & Autumn” is a masterpiece that combines the craftsmanship of Pelikan Germany with superior Japanese traditional Maki-e painting techniques.
Pelikan Souveran M800 Raden "Royal Gold" Limited Edition of 388 pieces
- The first step to create the fountain pen Raden M800 Royal Gold is to give the surface a deep black colour impression by using the special Japanese Urushi lacquer. Then the typical stripes are made of particles from the precious white mother of pearl shell. A 24-carat gold foil is carefully affixed as background on these stripes. In the next step, the stripes are fixed to the cap and barrel by a coating of lacquer. Finally, the artist individually signs and numbers each fountain pen. The Raden M800 Royal Gold fountain pens are pieces of art with a finely-chased 18-carat gold nib in the size M, accentuated with a rhodium decor.
Pelikan Souveran M800 Maki-e "Dragonfly" Limited Edition of 111 pieces
- Dragonflies are famous for their exceptional flying properties. As they only fly forward and never go backwards, they are considered as a lucky symbol in Japanese mythology representing endurance and perseverance. There are five dragonflies vividly drawn on the beautiful background of the Maki-e "Drangonfly" fountain pen barrel. This background depicts ‘Tsugigami”, a traditional Japanese paper made by connecting various pieces of paper. The image of the dragonfly is created by using many different Maki-e techniques such as Raden, Byakutan-nuri, Kawarinuri and Togidashi-Taka-Maki-e.
The prices given here are the low and high average found on the international market between the years 2014 and 2017. The difference between the lowest and the highest values can be due to such factors as the state of preservation, the provenience, the reputation of the seller, and the completeness of the offer (original case, documentation, ink accessories, etc.). Every collector should be fully aware of the difference between selling prices and purchase prices, and between passion and investment.
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Against the normal "market pricing", the following table provides some guidelines for the valuation and negotiation of collectible (not current) fountain pens as per their condition.
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WEIGHT |
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No signs of use, New Old Stock, boxed and fully documented, not inked ever
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No discernable user markings, boxed, dipped or once ink filled
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All parts original, slight signs of use, slight surface scratches, minor discolouration, crisp imprints, trim or body with no significant brassing, no dings, may be boxed, fully working
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All parts original, some signs of use, surface scratching, brassing, light discolouration, fully functional
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Not all parts may be original, heavy sign of use, worn imprints, used look, may need repairs, dings/stratches, medium discolouration
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Not working, missing parts, cracks, strong discolouration, very visible dings
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Another devaluation scale may be considered for particular typologies of damage
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