SCARCE 2005 NAMIKI MAKI-E CHINESE ZODIAC DOG SIGNED M. HAYASHI FOUNTAIN PEN

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SCARCE 2005 NAMIKI MAKI-E CHINESE ZODIAC DOG SIGNED M. HAYASHI FOUNTAIN PEN:
$2935.00

For your consideration, we are delighted to present for sale this exceptionally scarce 2005 Namiki Maki-e Chinese Zodiac “DOG” Fountain Pen — the original, flat-top Yukari model crafted by master Kokkokai artisan Masaru Hayashi. This piece is part of Namiki’s revered Chinese Zodiac collection and remains in mint, never-inked condition, accompanied by its Namiki presentation box and registration card.

NOTE: The Chinese Zodiac series celebrates the twelve celestial signs—Rat, Ox, Tiger, Hare, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar—each represented in exquisite lacquer artistry. This early edition, produced in limited quantities and rarely encountered today, differs significantly from the later streamlined Yukari models. Crafted from ebonite and decorated using taka maki-e (high-relief lacquer) with delicate touches of jim-maki-e (gold dust work), this first-generation series is prized for its depth, texture, and traditional form—flat ends, light in hand, and imbued with old-world Namiki elegance. (The Namiki website provides steps that go into the Maki-e process here.)

Artist Masaru Hayashi has captured stunningly on the body and cap of the fountain pen Dog scene. In Chinese culture, the Dog is a symbol of loyalty, honesty, protection, and responsibility. The Zodiac Dog serves as the 11th sign in the Chinese Zodiac and is a symbol of good fortune. Namiki Zodiac Dog was made by master maki-e artist Masaru Hayashi (The Namiki website displays the artist's signature) - his signature displays on the pen's barrel in image 8. The Namiki logo and the NAMIKI name can be seen stamped into the clip. On top of the clip, as shown in image 9, is stamped, "JAPAN."

The fountain pen features a wonderful 18K/750 nib tuned by the masters at Namiki, assuring long-lasting, impeccable writing performance. The nib iridium tipping measures .65mm when measured with digital calipers, or a Medium nib point. The Namiki nib displays a date code of 1005 for October 2005. I have never inked the pen as I wanted to keep the pen in Mint Condition. Namiki nibs are some of the best-made 18K Gold Nibs in the World.

This Namiki Zodiac Dog Fountain Pen is a Yukari size and measures 5 1/2" in length capped, 6 1/2 inches posted, has a diameter around the cap lip area of 14.12mm, and weighs .79 ounces.

The fountain pen comes in a nice softwood presentation box and includes a Pilot-branded ink converter.

The process of hand-crafting these fountain pens takes three months or longer to complete. This technique, though painstaking, gives this fountain pen its deep lustrous sheen and has been used by Namiki craftsmen since the company's inception back in 1918.

Early Namiki Zodiac pens, particularly the Dog, are seldom seen outside of complete sets. This example, preserved in pristine condition, stands as a testament to Namiki’s heritage and the timeless appeal of traditional Japanese lacquer artistry. It is a piece that transcends function—equally at home as a writer’s heirloom or centerpiece of a world-class collection.

A true unicorn among Namiki’s early masterpieces, this Dog embodies loyalty, honesty, protection, and responsibility—an unmissable opportunity for the discerning collector.

Please make sure to review my other listings as I have other vintage fountain pens for sale.

Please Read Carefully Before offerding:I strive to find unique and difficult to find pieces that I believe will capture the attention of collectors. I spend a great deal of time traveling, talking with people, sitting at sales and waiting in line at estate sales to find these pieces. Some of the items are "farm fresh" and some I have had in my possession for years and time to let others enjoy.Please make sure this item is what you want before offerding. If you would like different pictures or have concerns about damage, on whether it is repainted or repaired ask before offerding. If I can find out, I will.
Shipping: $12.90 for USPS Standard Shipping w/Insurance. If you want faster service, please contact me to receive a quote. I will certainly combine shipping if you want to purchase more than one of my item's. Please note that if you are purchasing any of my items and you are outside of the USA, all items are shipped via the Global Shipping Program. The Global Shipping Program adds import charges, 3rd party fees, and shipping that are more than my quoted shipping price for USA / Domestic shipments. The Global Shipping Program is currently the only accepted shipping service that I use for non-domestic shipments.
Refunds:Item must be returned within 14 days of receiving it and in the same condition as received. Cannot Return if Ink has been used. The item cost will be refunded. (Buyer pays all shipping and insurance). Item must be returned with Delivery Confirmation. Item must be returned to qualify for a refund. I do not give refunds for uninsured items if they get broke in shipping. ( I do pack carefully, I do not want them to arrive broken.) Some of my listings include insurance on shipping. Please make sure they do, if not please request it, if you would like it added.