Fountain pen, Dunhill-Namiki maki-e lacquer, Japan, circa 1930s

Dunhill-Namiki - A Japanese lacquered lever-filled fountain pen, circa 1930s, the ebonite barrel with maki-e lacquer finish has been painted in gilt relief with a Hannya mask, iron stick, and a brocade kimono from the Noh Play 'Momijigari (Maple viewing)', highlighted with abalone shell raden flowerheads, and further decorated with falling maple leaves and gilt sprinkles throughout, artist (廣忠?) signed to the barrel, cap engraved 'Dunhill 14K', lever with Namiki logo and nib marked 'Dunhill Namiki 14ct', overall length 13.3 cm. In the early 1900s the main material used for fountain pens was ebonite (a vulcanized sulphur and rubber compound) as it was easily moldable and could be painted.

However, overtime the pens suffered from discolouration and loss of lustre due to ultraviolet rays and moisture. The Namiki company (now Pilot) developed the surface treatment by adding raw lacquer in the ebonite compound to prevent material from being discoloured by urushi, and in 1925 patented the process as "Laccanaite". The Noh play "Momijigari" was first written in the 16th century and later adapted to other performance versions. The revived kabuki dance version led to the first narrative film ever to be made in Japan in 1899. No box or papers.