The Pontifex Maximus is our first fountain pen model. In Latin, Pontifex means "bridge-builder". Made in Belgium from Japanese ebonite and featuring a "Japanese eyedropper" filling system, this oversized fountain pen is a well balanced writing instrument and offers a generous canvas for urushi and maki-e artwork.
For our first series of six unique urushi artist pens, carte blanche was given to six of the most highly regarded lacquer artists in Japan. Each of these fountain pens is a unique (1/1) work of art and represents the highest level of contemporary urushi art.
From an early age Mamiko Masumura (º1986, Tokyo) observed her father and grandfather Living National Treasures Mashiki and Kiichiro Masumura at work. She graduated in 2011 with a master's degree in Fine Art from the Department of Lacquer Art, Tokyo University of the Arts. From 2015 to 2018 she worked as a research assistant in the same department.
Mamiko's work combines a contemporary vision with the traditional techniques of urushi art. Her work invokes a sense of nostalgia and the atmosphere is one of quiet wonder. Read more about Mamiko and her work here : A Day in the Life of an Urushi Artist.
Haru, 2015 (urushi, hemp cloth, pigment, wood) © Mamiko Masumura
Mamiko hand-drew an intricate pattern in coloured lacquer (iro-e) on her fountain pen. The drawings are embedded into another coat of coloured lacquer and are revealed through togidashi. The cap and section of the fountain pen are painted in a very matte nuritate in Mamiko's signature colours. The subdued composition hides artistic sophistication and technical excellence. Mamiko named her pen "Haru", which means spring. See specification below.
SPECIFICATION
METHOD. Togidashi, iro-e.
MATERIAL. 100% urushi on ebonite.
FILLING SYSTEM. Japanese Eyedropper (3,5 ml ink capacity).
NIB. #8 18k Gold Bock nib.
DIMENSIONS. Closed length : 152 mm.
Barrel length (incl. nib) : 144 mm.
Barrel diameter : 16 mm.
Cap diameter : 19 mm.
YEAR. 2025
EDITION. 1/1
PRICE. On request.