Monday 18 February 2013

Producing Maki-e On A Pen Surface

By Justine Lee


For their writing implement exterior art designs, the Dunhill Namiki company has chosen to use a mixture of artwork styles. The maki-e method is arguably the most intricate of the chosen variety of skills to master. Maki-e requires grand precision and planning when performed on traditional flat surfaces. When this complicated design process is completed on the curved body of a pen, it requires years to master.

From the artistic method that was first introduced in the late 9th century Heian Era of Japan, the Dunhill Namiki business has tailored the tradition of maki-e only slightly. Initial maki-e designs began by covering an object with black, sticky resin. Patterns were applied to the sticky substance by expert artisans using thin bamboo tubes and art brushes known as makizutsu that were designed specifically for this task.

The traditional maki-e artwork designs were created by placing powder pigments of multiple metallic origins to the sticky lacquer surface. The powders were finely ground precious metals, with usual colors coming from copper, brass, pewter, silver and gold. By introducing these in highly controlled amounts and areas, vivid designs were created.

By applying the tradition of maki-e artwork to the exteriors of their pens, the Dunhill Namiki business has essentially created a useable work of art. After their pen exteriors have been coated in resin, trained artisans place modern colored pigments in specific orders to manufacture the amazing designs. A transparent finish coating protects the finished product from wear when being used.

When you are choosing luxury corporate gifts, consider the Namiki pen. The amount of energy that goes into generating these Dunhill Namiki maki-e works of art will provide a customary yet unique way to express your gratitude to corporate partners.

Any fault during the maki-e process is almost impossible to fix due to the nature of the art form itself. Removing pigments that have already been applied to the sticky lacquer exterior will create smears or smudges in the design. Because of this, working with maki-e demands great skill and careful planning. Dunhill Namiki artisans employ their trade with vast patience every day while creating the art patterns that make their pens so unique.




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