Emperor Kylin Fountain Pen

Rich with opulent decoration, vibrant colors, and an abundance of gold dust, this elaborate design serves to honor the Kylin, a mythical creature revered in ancient China but little known in the West. Often referred to as the Chinese unicorn, the Kylin symbolizes good fortune and prosperity.

Is it a deer, a bull, a horse, or a fish? The Kylin, much like the dragon, boasts a composite appearance, embodying attributes and powers from each of these animals. In Japan, it is one of the four sacred animals, alongside the phoenix, the dragon, and the turtle. As a symbol of luck, peace, and wealth, the Kylin frequently adorned swords and other weapons. It is often depicted surrounded by bamboo leaves and paulownia, both of which are auspicious symbols in their own right.

Four distinct Maki-e techniques are utilized to honor this extraordinary creature. Takidashi Maki-e (a technique involving the layering of lacquer and charcoal powder to create a raised pattern) is used to highlight the Kylin. Raden (inlaying mother-of-pearl) accentuates its scales. Togidashi Maki-e (embedding gold or silver particles, then coating with multiple lacquer layers) and Hira Maki-e (applying gold or silver dust to lacquer layers) are employed to intricately detail the paulownia and bamboo leaves. As a final touch of sophistication, the clip seamlessly blends into the design through gold powder lacquering.