An owl rendered in one of Japan's most demanding lacquer traditions — this is the Namiki No. 50 Owl, a pen that commands attention before a single word is written. The owl motif is executed using togidashi taka maki-e (polished raised maki-e), a technique in which layers of lacquer and gold powder are built up, then painstakingly polished flush to create a surface of extraordinary depth and luminosity. Combined with tamago karakusa — a decorative technique using quail eggshell fragments as inlay material — the result is a texture that catches light in ways no paint or lacquer alone can achieve.
The quail eggshell pieces, each unique in their natural patterning, are set into the lacquer surface to evoke the mottled plumage and quiet mystery of the owl — a creature long associated in Japanese culture with wisdom, protection, and good fortune.
Key Features
Togidashi Taka Maki-e — Polished raised maki-e technique: lacquer and gold powder built up in relief, then polished to a mirror-smooth surface of exceptional depth
Tamago Karakusa (Quail Eggshell Inlay) — Fragments of quail eggshell set into the lacquer, creating a naturally textured, iridescent surface unique to each pen
No. 50 Size 18K Gold Nib — Namiki's largest nib size, offering a broad, expressive writing experience befitting a pen of this stature
Eyedropper Filling System — The barrel functions as a direct ink reservoir, providing an exceptionally large ink capacity
Namiki Craftsmanship — Produced by Namiki's master lacquer artists, continuing a tradition of urushi pen-making dating back to 1925
Specifications
Decoration: Togidashi taka maki-e with tamago karakusa (quail eggshell inlay)
Motif: Owl
Nib: No. 50 size, 18K gold
Filling System: Eyedropper (direct fill)
Ink Capacity: Extra-large
The owl watches. The lacquer glows. The eggshell catches the light. This is a pen that does not merely write — it presides.
