N^o 4: Blue Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan and revered as a sacred mountain among religious Japanese people. Due to its majestic look, it is also well known all over the world as a symbol for Japan. On this fountain pen, three cranes, the symbols of long life and good luck, are depicted while flying in front of the blue Mount Fuji. They were painted by using the Togidashi-Taka-Maki-e technique.

The Togidashi-Maki-e technique

In this technique, the rare Japanese lacquer Urushi is applied in a multitude of layers which are polished many times. The design is drawn first with tracing paper and then with colored lacquer onto the surface of the fountain pen. It is then sprinkled with a multitude of lacquer-layers or gold and silver dust.

The Taka Maki-e technique

The artist mixes charcoal powder or gold powder into the lacquer, so that the pattern of the design is raised above the surface and a three-dimensional effect is created: If your thumb glides over the surface, you will feel the difference.