Pelikan has promised to deliver 2 Limited Edition Maki-e models in 2022, and we are quite happy to present them here for you!

Both editions are executed on the M1000 size, and thus have the standard technical characteristics of the largest of the Souverän models.

Interestingly enough, the two editions, "Snow, Moon, Flowers" and "Phoenix", are set against similarly sparkled backgrounds, and so - despite the fact that they are offered individually, and treat different themes - the pens could be considered as a couple.

But let us consider them individually.


Pelikan M1000 Maki-e Limited Edition Snow, Moon, Flowers

We were first introduced to the Pelikan M1000 Maki-e Limited Edition Snow, Moon, Flowers back in July of 2022. 

Available in 123 individually numbered and signed pieces, the pen refers to winter snow, autumn moon, and spring flowers, which are natural beauties in three of the four seasons of Japan. Focusing on the beauties characterizing the scenery in each of the seasons, the artists seek to convey the tenderness of nature, and hint to the perpetual succession of the seasons, the balance, and continuity we meet in nature.

The symbols used are drawn from the aesthetic life of the Japanese people with a calm and peaceful state of mind.

“Snow, Moon and Flowers” has been used in various poems and lyrics in praising the beautiful landscapes that strike people’s hearts.

On the fountain pen, snow crystals, full moon and cherry blossoms are painted on the background and sprinkled with gold powder. Among the most noteworthy parts of the design is a blossom set on the rear side of the pen, made of a mosaic of asymmetrically cut pieces of mother of pearl. The whole motif fantastically expresses the beautiful four seasons of Japan in fascinating details.


Pelikan M1000 Maki-e Limited Edition Phoenix

The second Pelikan Maki-e introduced this year is laconically titled "Phoenix" and will also be available in 123 individually numbered and signed pieces.

On the “Phoenix”, the Maki-e artist has harmoniously blended taka-maki-e and togidashi-maki-e techniques.

The Phoenix is surrounded by numerous meaningful legends, it is a legendary spiritual bird in Chinese mythology, appearing in myths, ornaments, works of art, and architecture in East Asia.

It is often depicted as a symbol of virtue, wisdom, beauty, and goodness. Phoenix also has the meaning of harmony, peace, femininity, beauty, prosperity, expansion, ascent, rebirth and success.

According to Chinese legends, phoenix represents the entire universe. The phoenix‘s head represents the sky, the eyes
are the sun, the back is the moon, the legs are the earth, and the tail is a planet.

It has been thought that the presence of a phoenix mediates between God and man, as well as dragon.

In China, the Emperor has made the dragon his symbol, while phoenix is the symbol of the empress. Phoenix has always been considered a noble and auspicious symbol.

The Pelikan M1000 Phoenix is another sample of the extraordinary writing instruments that comprise the Pelikan Maki-e series. On the whole work, the Phoenix stands out, its body constructed out of asymmetrically cut mother of pearl pieces, and its feathers laid out in silver and gold.


Pelikan Maki-e Limited Editions 2022: The final tally

Both editions are made by artisans on the highest level of their craft, and -naturally- are manufactured with the technical sophistication and attention to detail characteristic of Pelikan.

The artwork on display on each one of the editions is unique and interesting. Equally interesting and full of symbolism are the themes treated here, as both pens contemplate continuity, rebirth, vitality, and exhude optimism. The detailed art, as we like to point out, is actually unique on each of the pens, as they are individually made by hand, and full of rare and precious materials including gold, silver, and mother of pearl.

Despite the fact that the emphasis here is placed on the artwork, one should not overlook the fact that these treasures are technically identical to the M1000, and thus we would expect them to be well balanced, and exceptionally performing and practical fountain pens. 

Simply put, we consider both pens to be beautiful, and expect them to be excellent instruments.

Yet, the final question that remains is if they are worth their pricetags, and we would argue that the question has long been answered to the positive for two main reasons: 

  1. The labor that skilled artists put into the production of the Pelikan maki-e artworks certainly sets them apart from pens using simpler manufacturing techniques. Maki-e is the preserve of just a few artists, and to reach the level of expertise that is required in order to mix maki-e techniques and apply them on any functional item the artist must have risen to the highest level of his craft. This is a process of artistic development in which the craftsmen invest years, and we are confident that they deserve our respect, and reward for their accomplishments.
  2. The first Pelikan Maki-e edition was released in 2002. Ever since Pelikan has been releasing one or more editions every year. All Pelikan Maki-e pens are considered rare, and trade today at prices similar or higher than their original retail price tags.

See more Maki-e Writing Instruments.


Some final eye candy