The
fountain pens in the Emperor collection by Namiki are delicate works of art,
signed by their author artist. Each
of the Emperors fountain pens requires three months and sometimes more of
expert, loving and minute craftsmanship. The
Maki-e, a decorating technique patiently refined by Nipponese artists over
the centuries, came to full bloom in the 14th and 15th centuries A. D.,
when, as it was highly sought by the aristocracy, it came to enrich the
looks of the implements used in the tea ceremony. Maki-e
is part and parcel of the cultural heritage of old Japan. It involves no
less than thirty some different processes, that concur in d6cors of utmost
subtlety and unrivalled luxury.
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