Pelikan Kirin

From the One, comes Two, and from the Two, all myriad of living and non-living things between Heaven & Earth arise. . .this is the age-old Chinese doctrine of "Yin & Yang".Ancient Sages also classify living creatures according to their unique characteristics and nature, such as those that fly, walk, slither or swim and those with feathers, fur or scales, etc. Central to these, however, is the fundamental concept of the five elements or essence, from which all can be grouped under; with the right balance essential for health, peace, harmony and prosperity.  The wise of old divided the sky into 28 constellations distributed over the four main cardinal points, with each point accommodating seven stars in the shape of an animal. The leader and wisest of each grouping was chosen, with the Dragon (Wood) assigned to the East and the Tiger (Metal) to the West. The Phoenix (Fire) took the South and Xuan-Wu (snake tortoise-Iike creature), North (Water).   The wisest of all, in a class of 'supernatural/spiritual' creatures, bearer of good omen & tidings, representing total compassion, peace and all things good, would naturally take center stage for perfect balance and harmony. Thus was the position assigned to KIRIN (Earth), described as having the head of a dragon, snout of a pig, horns of a deer, back of a tiger; waist of a bear, hoofs of a horse, tail of a lion and body covered with scales; exuding an aura of mysticism with the power to ward off evil.  Legend has it that the KIRIN was also very closely linked with the great philosopher Confucius. When his mother was carrying him in her womb, she met with a KIRIN in the woods. From the mouth of the KIRIN came forth a small piece of jade tablet with the word "Wen" (knowledge) inscribed; foretelling the imminent birth of a very special individual.   Two years before his death, a KlRIN was captured and killed. When Confucius was informed of this, he was overcome by great grief and with tear filled eyes, he lamented: "Why have you appeared during such turbulent times! In the past, elusive spirit animals such as the KIRIN were believed to appear only at an auspicious time when goodness reigns. But in this instance, it was during the warring period between states in China. Thus for Confucius, the killing of the KIRIN signified the end of all hope for a better world and that the "Mandate of Heaven" had been lost. He threw down his writing brush in despair, and never wrote again. After his death, his unfinished book entitled "Chun Qiu" (Spring & Autumn) was also known as "Ling Ching" (Spirit of the KIRIN).   Thousands of years have passed and now, Pelikan believe that it is an appropriate time to bring back to existence, the spirit and mystical charm of the KIRIN, never to be captured or killed, but to be loved and treasured instead, and then passed on down for generations to come.  This KIRIN fountain pen is hand crafted individually by the best craftsman. Experience the feel of writing with apiece of contemporary history. Its differential piston-filled ink system with solid 925 Sterling silver components and finely engraved 24-carat gold overlay underline the sophistication.