Thursday, December 19, 2013

Sailor KOP Spring Under The Star Limited Edition

The Sailor KOP Spring Under the Star Limited Edition is the second pen of the Seasons Under the Star maki-e pens series launched earlier in 2013. Sailor launched this series starting with winter; Sailor KOP Winter under the Star. My guess it was winter 2012 when the artisan was working on this project.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Namiki Yukari Sekitei (石亭) Fountain Pen

The Namiki Yukari Seitei (石亭) is another new Yukari size maki-e fountain pen launched by Pilot in November together with Namiki Yukari Matsuba (Pine Needle) Maki-e Fountain Pen.

This new range of Namiki Yukari has a very different themes as compare to those launched by Namiki a few years back. The idea and theme are new.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Namiki Yukari Matsuba (Pine Needle) Maki-e Fountain Pen

 photo Namiki-PineLeave_zpsc8d4ba12.jpg

Namiki launched three unsigned maki-e fountain pen this month. The maki-e fountain pen posted here is called Matsuba, which translated as Pine Needle.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Event - Pilot Vanishing Point 50th Anniversary

Fook Hing Trading launched a mini project to celebrate the Pilot Vanishing Point 50th Anniversary.

They will show case the different periods of Pilot Capless, including the first Pilot Capless pen that was launched in 1963 and a few Japan domestic model.

The fountain pens will be on display at Fook Hing Trading Pilot-Namiki display counter from Nov 15 - 22 2013.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see witness how the Pilot Capless pen design has changed, and the effort Pilot engineer has put in to perfect the Pilot Vanishing Point pens over the years.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Pilot Vanishing Point 50th Anniversary Limited Edition

Pilot Vanishing Point 50th Anniversary Limited Edition photo Pilot-VP-50A-01_zpsb300881c.jpg
Pilot Capless fountain pen is half a century old this year. To commemorate this half century old innovative pen design, Pilot launched a maple wood Capless (Vanishing Point) Limited Edition.

Previously, Pilot will made the limited edition pens according the year it were launched. This year, they are only making 900 pieces of 50th Anniversary Capless limited edition.

It is available locally now.
Pilot Vanishing Point 50th Anniversary Limited Edition photo Pilot-VP-50A-02_zps90cf4763.jpg
The Pilot Vanishing Point (Capless) 50th anniversary limited edition pen comes with a very beautiful case and a ink cartridges carry box made from the maple wood.

Fook Hing Trading in collaboration with local Capless (Vanishing Point) collectors and fan will show case the first Pilot Capless pen to the current maple wood Capless for a limited period starting next Tuesday (Nov 15, 2013).

Monday, November 4, 2013

Art Gladius Excalibur Sword Letter Opener

I found this Art Gladus letter opener at the MBS museum retail shop at B2. There is a reasonable range of sword openers, from fantasy, oriental, combat to history swords openers.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Namiki Maki-e Vanishing Point Kagimonyou and Nanten

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Namiki launched two maki-e vanishing point fountain pens using hira maki-e technique. They are Kagimonyou (Key Pattern Wave) and Nanten (Heavenly Bamboo).

Here is a few picture of the latest and hotest maki-e pens.

Monday, October 28, 2013

PILOT 95TH ANNIVERSARY MAKI-E RYU (DRAGON) LIMITED EDITION FOUNTAIN PEN

Pilot Japan celebrate their 95th anniversary this year (2013). They launched two limited edition this year. The the majestic Nobori Ryu (“Rising Dragon”) emperor fountain pen and Ryu (“Dragon”) yukari size fountain pen in limited edition.

The unsigned yukari ryu limited edition fountain pen is long simple. Actually, the artisan uses a few maki-e technique to create this the mystical creature.  It is illuminated in gold and silver glow against a rich black base through a combination Taka (Raised) Maki-e and Togidashi (Burnished) Maki-e techniques.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Danitrio Hummingbirds maki-e fountain pen

Danitrio and Fook Hing Trading work together to launch a few Danitrio maki-e pens last evening in Singapore. Danitrio hummingbirds maki-e fountain pens was one of the new maki-e pen launched last evening. The pen shown here is one of the two hummingbirds maki-e pens that was launched last evening.

For this design, there are Yusai artisan painted two hummingbirds using different maki-e technique.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

DaniTrio Voice of Cricket Limited Edition

For maki-e pens lovers, you must make a trip to Fook Hing Trading. Danitrio makie pens has gone quiet in the local market for awhile. A recent visit to Fook Hing Trading, I discover they have increases the range of Danitrio makie fountain pens.

There is also different price ranges of makie Danitrio fountain pens to meet different group of pen lovers.

The Dani Trio Voice of Cricket maki-e fountain pen caught my eyes. It is the creation of artisan Masayuki Haria.

Unlike the other maki-e pens barrel, Masayuki created a very unique maki-e technique to create a net pattern on the barrel. The net is raise, giving the feel of a net wrapping round the pen.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Platinum Tiger In The Dark Maki-e (Shikkoku Anei taketoraou-zu) Fountain Pen Limited Edition

Platinum Pen Co., Ltd. launched their second sumikoage maki-e fountain pen last month (September).

In maki-e technique, there are few makie techniques to raise the design. One of the maki-e technique is called Sumikoage technique, which uses charcoal powder to raise the design.

I was told that the artisan has to craft the pen in a control air-flow environment to avoid the fine charcoal powder from floating in the air. The artisan also also need to good breathing technique for the same reason, and breathing in the fine charcoal powder which might cause health problem.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Visconti Medina Limited Edition

Our Muslim friends are having their Hari Raya Haji tomorrow. I am posting a fountain pen theme that our Muslim  friends will be familiar; the Visconti Medina Limited Edition.

Medina is the burial place of Muhammad. It is the second most sacred site in Islam. His tomb is located in one of the three oldest mosques in Islam. My Muslim friends told me it is still one the most visited place.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Bortoletti Inkwell Cal40

I was charmed by Bortoletti inkwell back in 2005 when I was travelling in Sydney. Just over the weekend, I picked up a few inkwells at our friendly local fine writing instrument retailer Fook Hing Trading.

These inkwell is a fine decoration on my writing desk, and  good talking pieces among my guests.

Here is a few photo shoots of the Bortoletti inkwell.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Pelikan Edelstein Ink Amber "Ink of the Year 2013"

Pelikan launched a new amber Edelstein Ink this year. They labelled it as "Ink of the Year 2013".

Here is a sample of the ink written using Omas paragon celluloid bronze arco fountain pen.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

DUNHILL & JAQUES OF LONDON TABLE TENNIS TABLE BATS

My family was into table tennis and a collector friend sold me this set of Dunhill table tennis table which we didn't manage to use as the latest Butterfly bat currently in the market is make with new materials.

This set of Dunhill bats was built back in 2008 to celebrate the Beijing Olympicsm.

Dunhill worked with Jaques of London to craft a sophisticated solid wood table with black cellulose and Duroxil resin bonded top. They also created a Heist Table Tennis set that includes two Dunhill/Jaques branded bats (shown here), balls, and a compass bag from Dunhill's Heist Collection.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Montblanc Writer Edition 2013 Honoré de Balzac

Mont Blanc Writers Edition pay tribute to French literary artist Honoré de Balzac (1799 – 1850).

It was launched in August 2013 and the writing instruments are now available locally.

Honoré de Balzac is a well known  novelist and playwright who delivered an opus of nearly 100 novels and plays collectively known as La Comédie Humaine.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Rumours, Rumours Pilot 95th Anniversary Limited Edition

Pilot Japan launched their 95th Anniversary this month, and it will be available locally in October. Every year, Singapore are allocated very limited pieces.

Do make early reservation soon to avoid disappointment. 

Sunday, September 8, 2013

NAMIKI YUKARI ROYAL PARROT WITH PEACH

YUKARI ROYAL PARROT WITH PEACH photo Namiki-Parrot-01_zps8b19e44b.jpg
The Namiki Yukari Royal Parrot with Peach is the latest additional to Namiki Yukari Royal range.

This is another fine piece of maki-e art completed by Namiki artisan Masaru-san. It deserve a place in all maki-e pens or art collectors pen cases.

This Namiki Yukari Royal Parrot with Peach is the most colorful and attractive maki-e artwork painted by Namiki artisans.

this is an excellent  theme for a pen. Both the parrot (鹦鹉) and peach are consider symbols of good omen in the Chinese and Japanese cultures.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Pilot Capless White Carbonesque with Rhodium Accents

Pilot VP WhiteCarbonseque photo Pilot-WhiteCar-01_zps3208645c.jpg
Pilot Japan launched a new Vanishing Point (Capless) to their Carbonesque with Rodium Accents. Pilot Singapore didn't feedback if this is a special edition or a regular production.

If you like the pen, I suggest you buy it soon.

Pilot VP WhiteCarbonseque photo Pilot-WhiteCar-02_zpsec950766.jpg
It is currently available at limited quantity locally now.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Rumor, Rumor Sailor Procolor Shikisai (sprinkling) Blue Demonstrator


This summer Sailor launched a Procolor sprinkling blue demonstrator.

The Sailor procolor is a steel nib pen with nickel chrome plated finishing trim. This Procolor blue demonstrator only comes in  F nib.

It will be available locally soon.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

UHU Minions Glue Stick

While having lunch with my friends, I found UHU Minions glue stick at the stationary shop. The children like it. I ended up buying all the six designs.

Here is a few close up shots of the Minions.

Friday, August 2, 2013

Rumours, Rumoours Sailor Kings of Nature World Maki-e Limited Edition

Coming September 2013, Sailor Japan will launched two maki-e limited edition fountain pen under the theme "Kings of the Natural World".

Both the King Cobra and King Eagle maki-e are painted by Nishihara.

This Sailor King of Nature World Maki-e Limited Edition fountain pen are fitted with the Nagahara nib, well known for giving users the excellent experience of writing.

Both the Sailor King Cobra and King Eagle maki-e limited edition fountain pen are limited to 28 individually numbered pieces worldwide.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Ken Cavers Custom Made Bamboo Fountain Pen

Many thanks to my good friend Kite, I own a piece of to Ken Cavers custom made fountain pen. It is well made, and write smoothly.

I left the pen in my office as my daily writer. It give me no problem and getting to like it more each day.
The pen pouch in the above picture is from Dani Trio.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Visconti Pininfarina Carbongrafite Retractable Fountain Pen

Visconti Pininfarina Carbongrafite Retractable fountain pen is the most expensive of its kind. It is unique stylistic fountain pen which has technical elements in it, I am still wondering if it justify for such a high price tag.

The Visconti icon clip was secure to the pen with two screw, which made it look at like spring type clip. The screws on the pen actual give it a bit of retro look.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Parker 45

Although I am aware that Parker fountain pens are very usable and reliable, I am not a big fan of Parker vintage.

I did a quick search last year, there was no confirmation if Parker actually released a demonstrator.

Actually, I am not sure myself the history of this pen. I will need to do a bit of digging.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Dunhill Bulldog Paperweight


I could not resist myself from adding British bulldog by Dunhill to my desk accessories. It is crafted from solid brass and finished in satin matt black lacquer.

Like the other Dunhill bulldog accessories, there is no lack of details. The collar can be rotate.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Caran d'Ache Chromatics Ink

While I find the Caran d'Ache ink color is nice, I never like their ink bottle as they are not practical. Caran d'Ache announced their new Chromatic INKredible colors some few months back, but it was only available very recent.


Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Montegrappa Genio Creativo Salvador Dali Space Elephant Limited Edition

After a four year break from the Genio Creativo limited edition range, Montegrappa added a new pen to the range, the Salvador Dali Space Elephant Limited Edition.

First there was Visconti Dali Dance of Time I Limited Edition, now Montegrappa launched another Limited Edition using another piece of Salvador Dali work as theme. Is this a coincident or what?

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Dani Trio Shakkyo (Noh) Limited Edition

The Stone Bridge (Shakkyo) theme of this Dani Trio maki-e Limited Edition fountain pen is taken from Noh play. It is painted by maki-e artisan Minoru Oohata-san.

Oohata-san uses mostly the taka maki-e method on this piece of maki-e pen. He also uses raden to decorate the costume of the noh character, demon.

Saturday, June 8, 2013

OMAS Extra Lucens Limited Edition 2013

The first OMAS Extra Lucens was created by Armando Simoni back in 1936. Omas created yet another beautiful and elegant Extra Lucens fountain pen this year using black/yellow celluloid materials.

As you might have noticed, the fashion colour for this reason is yellow. If you check out a few of the big fashion luxury brands, you will notice that they launched their new design in yellow. This beautiful Omas Extra Lucens Limited Editions align with the latest fashion.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Sailor 1911 Sakura Nagare Maki-e Fountain Pen

This new Sailor Sakura Nagare maki-e was model after the Sailor Sakura Special Edition fountain pen that was commission by the Japanese Government to given to the POW during WII, which was posted on my blog back in 2011.

The maki-e artwork is the same. The only diffferent is the model of the pen.

With this new launch of Sailor Sakura Nagare Makie fountain pen, there will be a wider group of users able to use this beautiful makie pen. Many thanks Sailor!

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Event: We Are Stretching A Little More To Give You This Great Offer

Elephant & Coral are having promotion event from May 31 - June 09 2013. They are located in the Singapore popular shopping street Orchard road. Check them out!

Address:
333A Orchard Road #03-03
Mandarin Gallery
Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 6736-1322

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Dani Trio Saiyuki (The Journey to the West) Limited Edition

This Dani Trio Saiyuki (The Journey To The West) Maki-e Limited Edition is not their latest and not maki-e artist Yuji Ookado-san latest maki-e work.

I like this theme as it is very oriental just like the maki-e artwork. However, this is a very expensive piece of fountain pen and not the average Joe would consider.

For fountain pen users, I think there are better fountain pen with nib just as good or even better than Dani Trio.

I think this is only a pen for maki-e lovers as the theme is good, and the artwork is good, not great.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Glass Paperweight

I found this glass paperweight at "K"rafers' Paradise located at City Square Mall level 4.

The paperweight was a useful accessories in those non-air conditional environment. It is was used to hold down papers.

Today, it only serve as a decorative items on our desk.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Delta Fusion 82


There was a fair bit of information on the new Delta fusion nib as early as last September. I only managed to test drive this nib only in early April.

It has replaced my daily writer Namiki Yukari Royal for the last 7 weeks.

Firstly, I would have to agree to most users that the nib look really cool. I couldn’t say for the pen outlook. The pen design itself doesn’t really stand out among other modern pens.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Visconti Rembrandt Firenze Orange Calligraphy Set

Visconti Rembrandt Firenze Orange Calligraphy Set comes in a nice oversize hard board box that you can display it on your table.

It comes with everything you need to start your calligraphy practice. It even comes with two pen holders.

The Visconti Rembrandt calligraphy set comes in two version, and five colors. There are two and three nibs set verions. The two nibs set only comes in orange. The three nibs set comes in red, black, ivory and blue.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Sailor “KAI” The Sea at Dawn Limited Edition

The Sailor Kai Limited Edition is painted by the same artisan as the Sailor Kurenai (Crimson Red) Limited Edition launched in 2012.

Similarly to the Sailor Kurerai Limited Edtion, The Urushi Maki-e Artist Wataru Kurotobi san painted an abstract image of the dawn of the blue ocean.

This is not a new maki-e technique which maki-e artist Wataru Kurotobi san created.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Rumours, Rumours SAILOR Leiji Matsumoto (松本零士) Limited Edition

For those manga fan fountain pen lovers out there, Sailor Japan will be launching Leiji Matsumoto Limited Edition this month.

He is the artist behind the popular manga like Galaxy Express (银河铁道999), Battle Spaceship Yamato (宇宙战舰大和号), Captain  Herlock (宇宙海盗王哈罗克) and others.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Visconti Salvador Dali Dance of Time I Limited Edition (薩爾瓦多·達利 時間之舞)

I am not a big fun of Visconti fan after some unpleasant incident in the past, but I couldn’t resist not adding the Visconti Surrealist Collection, Salvador Dali Dance of Time I to my collection. Visconti work with Benjamin Levi of the Stratton Foundation to pay tribute to Salvador Dali. Benjamin Levi is a well known collector among the collectors for his expert knowledge on Dali’s work.

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Wolf Design Pen Display Case

Recently, I upgraded my office pen case to Wolf Design 12 pieces pen display case. The pen case exterior is wrapped with soft pebble faux leather with gold foil dot trim.

The drawer comes with two brushed brass pulls, which give it a very elegance look. Just love the look.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Rumours, Rumours Namiki Kachimushi (Dragonfly) Limited Edition 2013


This year (2013), Namiki Annual Limited Edition will be available in April. The theme is our favor insect Kachimushi. Kachimishi is an ancient word for Dragonfly.

In Asia, the dragonfly symbolizes summer and autumn and am admired and respected all over, so much so that the Samurai use it as a symbol of power, agility and best of all, Victory.

It is also also associate with prosperity, harmony and as a good luck charm.

The Namiki Kachimushi Dragonfly Limited Edition is limited to 150 individually numbered worldwide. It will be available locally from April 2013.
 

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Sailor KOP Winter Under The Star Limited Edition

Maki-e artisan Moroiki Ikki well known artist whose works have been invited almost every year to the well-known annual Japan Traditional Art and Craft exhibition.

Sailor Co. Japan and Morriki Ikki collaborated to create the "Season Under Star" project. At the time of writing, we do not know if this project will consist of four pens to show case the four seasons or it will just one.

We asked but received no feedback till date. We suspect the deciding factor for the next pen(s) is the sales performance of this Sailor King Of Pen (KOP) Winter Under The Star Limited Edition.