The Conway Stewart Soka Monyo Maki-E Limited Edition
'Soka Monyo' is the second pen in the spring collection crafted by the renowned artisan, Mr. Koichiro Okazaki. The beauty of Maki-e depends on the craftsman's skills: artistic design, knowledge of traditional techniques, and the ability to tell a story through the application of art. Many sought-after artisans acquire their training in their early teenage years, following in the footsteps of their parents and grandparents. A Maki-e artist's vocation is not motivated by money, but by the pride in following a family tradition.
Mr. Koichiro Okazaki's work name is Kogaku-san. He drew his inspiration for the design of the Soka Monyo from flowers throughout the season: sakura, wisteria and Japanese larch. They are displayed within geometric shapes, bordered in thick gold, using the striking contrast of black for the background.
The Floral Design showcases a wide range of many different methods of Maki-e art and techniques used on this bold and striking work. Tsukegaki technique (fine raised lines of lacquer, dusted with gold powder, mostly used for wave patterns), taka maki-e (many thin layers of genuine urushi lacquer, with sabi, charcoal or tin powders applied over one another to create slightly raised portions), kakiwari technique (the design is left in reverse in order to reveal the underlying layer of lacquer, particularly useful for fine details such as the veining of a leaf), and hira maki-e (design is drawn onto the urushi surface and, using powder sprinkling tools such as cotton, crane quills and bamboo in various sizes gold powder is sprinkled over the lacquer. The design is polished once the urushi has hardened).
The sakura is a well-known symbol of Japan and is the unofficial national flower. The cherry blossoms are a lasting symbol for the brief nature of life, and as such are frequently depicted in art. The cherry blossoms symbolize of a bright future. Also, their delicacy suggests purity, transience, melancholy, and it also has poetic appeal.
The Soka Monyo is a wonderful symphony of art utilizing abstract designs to emphasize nature's colours. In today's modern living it is all too easy to get caught up in the hassle and bustle of life and work. We often forget to take a step aside to appreciate the strength of Mother Nature and the balance of harmony.
The Conway Stewart Soka Monyo is available in a worldwide limited edition of 25 pieces. Each piece carries Kogaku-san's signature, and the coveted Red Seal signature signifying the highest level of Maki-e art.
Each fountain pen is housed in a beautiful lacquer presentation case, accompanied by our 100 year guarantee and warrantee booklet and limited edition certificate.
About the Artisan:
Mr. Koichiro Okazaki's work signature is Kogaku-san. Born in 1959, Kogaku-san has received prestigious recognition, including the award of Kao (his authorized monogram) from Kuda Munenori of Sado Omote School as well as placing in several national urushi-related exhibitions. Kogaku-san's art is very popular and can be seen on many traditional accessories, such as ornamental hairpins and jewellery.
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Soka Monyo Maki-E - Westminster LE - Trafalgar LE - Nelson - Churchill - Duro - 100 - Collector's Edition - Bespoke Pens