Namiki Maki-e Fountain Pen Overview
Brian sat down with John Lane, the General Manager of Pilot Fine Writing, to learn the ins and outs of Namiki maki-e fountain pens. The ancient Japanese tradition of maki-e is an art form that combines meticulous attention to detail with deep symbolism and mythology. The training for maki-e artists is so rigorous that a novice works for decades before making a pen without the supervision of a master craftsman.
In this video, Brian and John walk through each of the Namiki maki-e fountain pen models, including the Namiki Emperor, Yukari Royake, Yukari, Nippon Art, and Chinkin. They talk through the various filling mechanisms, nib sizes, and explain the details of each of the maki-e techniques.
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LINKS TO PRODUCTS FEATURED:
Namiki Emperor: www.gouletpens.com/collection...
Namiki Yukari Royale: www.gouletpens.com/collection...
Namiki Yukari: www.gouletpens.com/collection...
Namiki Nippon Art: www.gouletpens.com/collection...
Namiki Chinkin: www.gouletpens.com/collection...
ABOUT GOULET PENS:
Brian & Rachel Goulet started The Goulet Pen Company in 2009 and you can see the evolution of our mom and pop into a full-blown company through this channel. We run a dedicated online store with fountain pens, ink, paper, and other fine writing accessories. Our goal with this channel is to provide fountain pen fans at all levels of experience with comprehensive product reviews, round ups, and how-to videos to answer all the fountain pen questions you may have. Shop at www.gouletpens.com.
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What a fantastic salesman--he knows his product thoroughly, doesn't oversell, honestly admits the pros and cons of each product, and just the slightest dash of humor at the right spots. No wonder Pilot entrusts their best pens to him.
John Lane is a gem. Really enjoyed my time with him when he did some Namiki training with some of us here. He definitely knows his stuff! - Colin
He is also super annoying. We have... blah blah. You are just a distributor. You did not launch anything....
Cheng Evara He is a representative of a company. In fact he is *the* representative of all of US Namiki pens. When he says "we" he is referring to Pilot because that is the company he represents.
@@pavleradicevic2645 That is what happens when you work on a team - you say "we". Her certainly didn't seem to be claiming credit for other people's work.
Some people may know already, but urushi is related to poison ivy, with the same caustic qualities when wet. I have a coworker who works with urushi, and he has scars on his arm where he didn't wipe it off in time. How on earth people figured out the sap of this caustic tree made a beautiful, protective coating, is lost to history!
Wow, I didn't realize that. Learn something new everyday! - Colin
Yeah, it's pretty nasty stuff to work with! Harmless once cured though -Brian
I've seen Namiki pens at two pen shows. My favorite is the one with the owls on it. I was kind of amazed that the vendor allowed us to hold the pens. I remember one of them was priced at over $8,000. By the way, the G2 is my favorite, over the counter, workhorse ink pen.
I'm glad there are people out there who value these works of art enough to keep them going. They look gorgeous on video, more so than any of the photos I've seen, and I bet they look even better in person.
I almost cried when I saw some of these pens. Astounding skill and beauty
Same here man!🥲
Mr. Santa This is the last time I'm sending you the updated my "must have" list. As you can see all of these fountain pens are unbelievably beautiful, so I want them all. So, hurry up and get me those pens ASAP, can't wait until Christmas though. Thanks,
Might want to leave milk and cookies out just to be sure! - Colin
@@Gouletpens For this kind of present they would have to leave a bakery and a dairy farm I think.
@20:33 good save Brain good save. That had me literally laughing out loud! Roller balls need love too
Haha, I was half joking there...half ;) -Brian
Well I think I have found my grail pen. I really like these types of videos. Keep them coming.
These are worth grails for sure -Brian
Oh my! My eyes are aching watching such beautiful craftmanship! Wow! I'll definitely be buying one in the future. I may have to wait 10+ years before justifying such a treat but these look absolutely amazing. I'm in awe. 😍
It'd be worth the wait, truly works of art! - Colin
These pens are works of art, so beautiful.
The Namiki Yukari Nightline Moonlight is really gorgeous! Moreover, this whole video was really a charm to use since John's voice is extremely relaxing! Moreover, he knows greatly what he's describing!
I'm just starting my journey with fountain pens. I love the practicality of this hobby, which forces you to develop your mental and manual skills. But I also love art, and to be able to daily write with such a beautiful instrument, it must be an amazing and inspiring feeling. This video was so educational. I'm so impressed with all work that goes into creating those pens. Thank you for sharing this knowledge with us!
Being a pet bird owner, I love the parrot and the peach... and since my mom was Japanese (she passed away 5 years ago), this is up my alley; the bird so adorable and beautiful. The ones with mother of pearl are lovely too.
Stunning works of functional art.
I started thinking "I'd love to have one of those, I should look into getting one" Hears that they range from 1000 to 10000 dollars, and reconsiders getting one. Great video, DFTBA
Yeah, they're definitely wishlist pens for most, myself included! But they sure do look pretty... - Colin
Awesome guy, awesome video, awesome pen! *Cries while writing in Custom 823*
That pen is not to be sniffed at! You're just building your collection up until you're ready for the Maki-e! - Colin
Exquisite pieces of art!
I'm one of those younger collectors, got a Parker sonnet for sixteenth birthday, so happy!
That's awesome. I wish I had known about fountain pens when I was in school. :) -Margaret
Man, maki-e is so beautiful. Here's hoping that Pilot makes a maki-e Vanishing Point someday. Maybe at Namiki's 100th anniversary in 2018.
Oh, that's a good idea. It seems like a natural progression right? Fingers crossed for 2018! - Colin
They do have 3 maki-e VP's now (all raden technique). I have high hopes for the 100th anniversary! -Brian
Thank you for peek into art, history, and wow!
Very interesting video, and nicely put together too. Thanks.
Just amazing! Thank you for posting this video. My budget isn't one that I could purchase one of them but I love looking at them. So beautiful!
I'm really grateful for this video, some designs made me cry, such quality!
WOW! I am a fountain pen newbie. I just received my first order. These pens are AH-MAZING! I can appreciate the amazing talent and art involved in making each one of these. I esp loved seeing the Chrysanthemum Dew Emperor Gold Fish Crane and Turtle Cherry Blossom Chinkin I currently have the Pilot VP Raden Galaxy on my wish list and that is just the dust from these gorgeous pieces...Nevertheless, I will need to save for a long time and I will be SO thankful to have that dust!
Loved this video, these pens are just gorgeous!
The beauty of these works of art leave me nearly speechless.
Those designs are glorious
My favourite is the Nippon Art series Crane and Turtle one. Absolutely beautiful
WOW!! those pens are sweet!! look at the finishing O.O
SO IN LOVE!!!!!! These pens are amazing
I know right? Works of art. - Colin
Wow that was awesome
Fantastic overview! I saw the website with the 360 view but the GouletPens video gave me a clear sense what the whole line is about that is hard to convey without someone explaining it. Now I have a full appreciation what it means to own one. It's not just a pen, but a piece of history and art with the original artist signature on each pen. It is a stunning piece of work.
The desire is real. The craftsmanship and designs are simply stunning. Pilot/Namiki is probably my favorite brand for writing instruments. I give away or encourage friends to buy the Metropolitan series all the time. Started a collection of high-end fountain pens with Sheaffer and the E95S, but would love to add these to my collection one day, especially since I'll graduate around the time Pilot will celebrate their 100th year anniversary. Hope they do something special that I can be a part of. Too bad they don't have a California branch or something. Would love to say I've tried to apply for their legal department. Hah!
Did you buy the $38,000 100th anniversary set? :D
I just saw this video and it’s my favorite one so far!
works of fine art
thats the video ive been waiting for!
Did not expect to enjoy this video so much. Amazing craftsmanship!
Yes, absolutely. Works of art on a pen! - Colin
Thanks for this enlightening video. I've been taken with these pens since I saw a photo of Chrysanthemum Dew; finally, I know its name! I wondered about the art process that goes into a pen like that and spent an enjoyable 25 minutes learning about it.
Thanks for an excellent video. I recently came across these pens so thanks for the back story.
Weeping years later...... SO BEAUTIFULLLLL!!!!!!!
I'm currently eyeing up the rock and herb in the yakuri line. Those are exquisite!
Loved the interview.
Beautiful pens showcased in a well-done video. Thanks for the effort and time you put forth to produce and publish this video. I wish Goulet Pens all the best with this new line of pens.
Thanks Richard, it means a lot! It took a bunch of coordinating and some great work throughout, so I'm glad that the beauty of these pens and the attention to detail shines through in this video! - Colin
Looking good Brian, love the vids
Hey thanks :) -Brian
Beautiful dream pens. thanks for the look.
Awesome vid!
Awesome educational video . I really like when you interview manufacturer/owner reps of companies.
I started watching videos about Cursive writing because i never really learned the right way as a kid...Fast forward a few months later and now i'm watching these Gorgeous pens...From one extreme to the other extreme...Damn,that Great White shark pen is awesome.....
These are amazing, I never seen anything like it.
Yeah, they are works of art. Very beautiful! - Colin
Excellent video.
Amazing!!!
It’s the 2nd time I watch this video - this is so interesting! I finally splurged on the Namiki VP Raden Water Surface and I can feel that it was just the first step of a pricey addiction. LOL. This pen makes me happy - its design, its ink flow, the 18k gold nib which writes beautifully... PERFECTION! Maybe in a few years, I’ll be able to afford one of the Maki-e pens, who knows? ;-) Thank you very much for sharing your passion with us!
Love the look of that VP! No harm in adding a few Maki-e pens to a wishlist. ;) - Colin
I just can't imagine buying such a beautiful and high quality pen just to let it collect dust. A good pen should be used and loved. Now that I've had my rant I'm going to have to start saving my pennies. lol
Some people think it's so beautiful and high quality it shouldn't be inked and tarnished. It's kind of a two-sided coin, but I tend to agree with you! - Colin
i want to be an artisan on this level...i never will be but i'll keep working at it. i cant accept people complimenting my work as good when this is what good actually looks like
Great video. He’s a salesman and a darn good one. But… that death stare for the first 30 sec had me rolling on the ground
I used to think I wanted to collect Cloisonne, but now with my calligraphy background, I see that Namiki Maki-e is really what I want.
Damn they look so good.
Buena presentación.
25 minutes of dreaming 🥰
I know, Right? - Drew
I just watched these pens n being made by the artists and ended up here. Incredible to be able to have a piece of art that you *could* write with. But if were ever blessed enough to have one I’d just show it off to people. If they are special enough they could hold it in their hand over a pillow which is over a padded floor in a padded room-you get the idea.
Wonderful Conversation, great insight thoughts on marketing the right quality of products, keeping in mind the very purpose and vision of founders business philosophy. Craftsmanship Quality in making of Pilot pens, unique exhibit of various artists working on a pen to make it beautiful creation. Worth listening conversation. Thanks
Love the chrysanthemum design, white tiger and emperor goldfish! But almost everything here made me drool.
Stunning! Thank you for showcasing these beauties and covering the details involved, but.. a cat? Cat?? Japan is home to some incredible ancient dog breeds like the iconic and beloved Akitas and Shiba Inus, as well as the beautiful Kai Ken and stunning Shikoku Ken who you could say are like fountain pens and dwindling in their numbers.
Pens are a problem for me. Its truly an addiction once you start down this wonderful rabbit hole.
I don't have money to buy the 6500 dollars pen. Do you guys take kidneys in exchange ? 😂 😂 😂 But still one day i will definitely gonna buy a *NAMIKI*
Vital organs > Namiki pens. Definitely some great wishlist pens here! - Colin
Please keep kidneys for good health and reach heights in your life. And definitely you will be buying these art pieces then. God bless you.
If I had saved my money that I have spent on smoking in my life I could afford a couple of these :(
Well, it's certainly never too late to start that! - Colin
Do you still smoke, have you quit? It must be hard.
And living longer
I hope you're completely off now!
just WOW
If I ever win the lotto, I'm definitely going to get one of these pens! They're amazing and just gorgeous!
Yeah, definitely wishlist material right there! - Colin
Wow what an interview, education and a great video when you have collection addiction to fine works of pens art cars knives watches RM Williams boots lol
hey brian congratz on getting the namiki line in to your store. Since now that you have then stocked can i request a tutorial video for the Pilot/namiki nib information particularly to include all information of all pilot nib sizes (physical size not tip size) from smallest to the large #50 and their width, length, base and nib exposed length. that would be an awesome video i know i will treasure it.
That's certainly an interest concept! I think there's a few people that'd enjoy that, so definitely in consideration. - Colin
Absolutely beautiful! Though I'm a Pilot/Namiki fan, I don't actually desire to own one of these, but I do appreciate them, while being very happy writing with my Metropolitan daily carry.
Great video. Lots of information that opened my eyes and mind to a world of pens that I have never seen before. Do people actually write with these pens? Definitely on my wish list. I love the idea for 6K I can have a piece of artwork and a beautiful pen. Please keep doing more of these type videos.
Yeah, John has told us that some people use their pen on a regular basis, while others just put it in a drawer, and some display it as art. Thanks for watching. - Colin
Japanese artisanship..the gentleman from Pilot is very down to earth too.
Vielen Dank
Hi guys like your podcast. I happened to listen to your conversation about the converter. Isn't it called a converter because it " "converts" your cartridge pen to a piston filler?
Will the Yukari Moonlight Raden be available? Can't afford it just curious one of my favorite designs.
Yes, we should have it available later this summer. - Colin
oh my god!! I really want a maki-e fountain pen 😭 The rock garden is pretty beautiful ! I want to choose one but found that i could only afford that capless vanish point😭😭
The rock garden is my favorite! My wishlist just grew by like... 8 pens, so you're not alone! - Colin
LOL😂 wow, i found 'The rock garden' in the goulet pens shop is not that high. I put it into my wish list😂though don't know when i can afford it😂
My only grail pen, namiki emperor, the urushi model... I appreciate maki-e, but to me pens are tools first, I don't think I would bring myself to use the maki-e model everyday given how exquisite those pens are.
Haha, I just ordered one Namiki on your website.
Awesome! Which design did you go with? - Colin
The Namiki Nippon Art Maki-e Fountain Pen Dragon and Cumulus. Hope I will receive it soon.
Artwork on your hands.
WOW! Awesome vid! Really enjoyed this one. Gonna check out your inventory now! :) :)
Yeah, there's quite a few models, it's so hard to choose between them! - Colin
I've got a Dragon and Cumulus Nippon Art!
That's awesome. I'm jealous! Do you write with them often? - Colin
Yeah! Use it all the time in class.
Wow nice! I'm assume you only take this one fp with you. I take like 4 VPs with me, and my other fps. Nice taste!
I recently purchased a Nippon Art. But I'm too afraid to use it. Any pointers on upkeep and maintenance? Should I store it in a separate pouch? Anything greatly appreciated!
While the lacquer material is durable, I think a pen sleeve or a Nock case to prevent it from jostling around on the go would be wise. The Wooden Box it came in should be sufficient when at home. I would stick with easy to clean (non-permanent) inks, and be sure to maintain a regular cleaning schedule with it. Beyond that, it's still a fountain pen, meant to write. So don't shy away from it! :) - Colin
Thanks! I keep my pens in an Aston 20 pen case, somewhat protected. I tend to loose pens that aren't on sight in the case. As for the pen pouch, plenty to choose from!
My issue with high end pens is i want to put the cap on the top its just so ingrained into me plus evey damaged pen ive had has come from not putting the cap on the table with the cap on the tip it goes from writing to on the pen
1400 is something I think I could save up for and buy, that's not super horrible. Just...if I had that expensive of a pen, I would be worried about really using it anywhere but home. I'd have to have a specific area that I'd use it and that's it. I generally like to travel with my FPs though.
They're definitely "holy grail" pens for some. I've got my eye on one as well! But yeah, most probably wouldn't use it as their everyday writer. - Colin
David a. A namiki emperor is so gigantic that I think you're forced to use it either entirely at home or entirely at work at a big desk for a stately experience
Still waiting for a Raden Decimo. I'll keep wishing and hoping!
Yeah, that's an awesome pen. Definitely on my wishlist too! - Colin
What's the protocol on posting such beautiful pens? Would you consider never posting them as to not damage the finish or are they designed in a way where they're able and intended to be posted?
I just learned that the pen caps are actually lined with felt so that they can be posted. Not sure if that was mentioned in the video but that's impressive.
Will Brian ever buy the Namiki Emperor (the $2000 one) to test out /for his collection?
That's a good question. Like everyone else in the office, he wants one. Maybe if everyone here puts in $50 we could swing a GPC team owned Namiki. - Colin
Hi, I am wondering if you can give me some feedback. I am very interested into the Namiki line, and would like to start from the bottom. I like fine, or extra fine nibs because of my type of hand writing, want to know how fine are namiki nippon fine nibs against a montblanc's 149 legrand, aurora's optima, conklin's ambrosia, visconti's homo sapiens and conway' s stewart churchill fine nibs (my starting collection). i have never used/saw any namiki, so I have no comparison. Greetings from Mexico
I can't speak to some of those pens as we don't carry them, but in regards to the Optima/Homo Sapiens it should write pretty similarly to the fines offered in those. It uses a nib very similarly to other gold nibbed Pilot pens. You can compare them all in our Nib Nook (www.gouletpens.com/nib-nook). - Colin
i saw these in the airport in Singapore covered with glass and on display really nice and when i looked at the price...my stomach had butterflies...
Is there a fountain where you don’t have to worry so much about having the pen at a certain angle? a versatile pen that could write in many angles?
unfortunately none, you better grab a roller ball. That's the alluring factor of using fountain pen.
Even if I had the means to get a Maki-e, I don't think I'd ever be worthy enough to have one, haha. They're too beautiful for my poor peasant's eyes.
Give yourself some more credit! Just think of how much cooler you'd be with one :) - Colin
Hello, I like your videos very much. Do you ship to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil?
Yes, we do ship there! - Colin
wont a maki-e + a demonstartor look awesome. the design on a clear pen.
I'm not sure how that'd work. I think the lacquer has to be black. Does clear lacquer exist? I'm sure it does. Maybe that's your calling! :) - Colin
I think what hurts my feelings the most when I look at those pens is the fact that most of them are more expensive than my new camera with two lenses. They're absolutely gorgeous, but I'd baby them even more than my camera if I got one! It would be displayed in a glass case and out of reach of everyone, I'm not sure I'd take it out except for looking at its beauty before putting it back in there.
There's some people that use them as everyday writers! Can you imagine? I feel like only the most important notes/signatures would be worthy of using these pens. :) - Colin
The Goulet Pen Company I'd be scared to scratch them or lose them! Or anything, really, I'm usually dropping pens left and right (usually with the cap on, luckily) because I'm clumsy :O
Has Brian used the Emperor? I would love to know what it's like to use.
No, I don't think Brian had the opportunity to... didn't want to ink up a $6k pen! - Colin
I think he should get the plain black one for the channel.
I'm in love with the Cat - Chinkin Collection. Guess it's because it's my Zodiac sign, but man the price ... As much as I appreciate the skill and the time the artist spent on those pen, it's just way out of my league for now.
A few of these have become my "holy grail" pens, something to daydream about! - Colin
4:02 I didn't know you guys sold swords.
does the raden Vp wite any better than the standard ??
Nope, it's the same exact nib unit. - Colin
kind of dissapointing but knowing me I'll probably eventually buy it
I want one Q^Q