ShiZen Pygmy Woodpecker on M4C Fountain Pen

✓ 100% Genuine Urushi

✓ Contains the Maki-E Red Seal (Highest Quality of Maki-E Art)

✓ Hand-painted by highly-trained Japanese Artisans

Product Video:

Product Description:

This is the second release in the ShiZen Birds of Japan series, a celebration of Japan’s native birdlife brought to life through beautiful maki-e art.

This pen tells a heartwarming story of a Japanese pygmy woodpecker bird family nestled in an autumn landscape. Set against a rich red tame-nuri lacquer background that captures a peaceful autumn sunrise, the deep undertone perfectly accentuates the crisp white, grey, and black plumage of the birds. Perched delicately on a slender upper branch of a persimmon fruit tree, the father woodpecker is identified by a tiny, bright red patch of colored lacquer on the back of his head as he prepares to feed his family. Below him, a hungry newborn pokes its head out from a rounded, gold-lacquered cavity nest built into the thick tree trunk. Clinging to the trunk, the protective mother bird keeps close watch over her offspring.

Maki-e artisan, Hariya-san, brings this family to life through breathtaking taka-maki-e technique (raised design) and texture work. The distinct streaked pattern of the wings is achieved using crushed quail eggshell (rankaku) to produce a brilliant, organic white tone. Surrounding the family, the late autumn scene is captured by bare branches decorated in brown and gold lacquer techniques where only ripe persimmons remain. These vibrant fruits are skillfully rendered in a mix of orange-gold flat lacquer, raised lacquer, and a singular, shimmering persimmon finished in a raden (mother-of-pearl) mosaic to highlight its symbolism for good fortune, longevity, and family prosperity. 

About M4C Pen Body and Filling System:

This pen was produced in partnership with Ranga Pens. Urushi lacquer is applied over a solidly constructed handmade Ranga model 4C ebonite pen body, including the threads.

Pen comes with an international pen converter but pen barrel chamber can also be filled eye dropper style (eye dropper does not come with pen).

 Nib Details:

This pen is furnished with a ShiZen 18k Gold, two-toned #6 nib, medium tip (currently ShiZen only offers one size: Medium)

The logo depicts an enso circle around a bonsai tree. Both of these illustrations have connections to Zen Buddhism. Enso circle represents a tranquil meditative state where one's mind is able to be emptied so that they can exercise immense creativity. Bonsai trees are commonly grown in Japan as they are perceived as living things that require discipline to care for them -- they also serve as harmony between nature and human-beings. 

 Technical Specification:

 About the Artisan:

Maki-e artisan Shogo Hariya lacquered this pen. Born and raised in Yamanaka Onsen, a region in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture known for its deep lacquerware traditions, Hariya was immersed in the world of craftsmanship from an early age. He grew up watching his parents create lacquer works, and at 18, began formally studying maki-e under their guidance. The spark to create something meaningful with his own hands, combined with admiration for his parents’ distinctive artistic expression, solidified his decision to pursue the path of a maki-e artisan. Over the years, Hariya has developed his own artistic voice, applying maki-e not only to traditional forms but also to contemporary items such as jewelry, fountain pens, stone and wooden vases, sake cups, stone figurines, and inkstones. He also continues to decorate traditional objects like tea ceremony utensils. Always open to new challenges, he welcomes opportunities to bring maki-e to novel mediums. His sources of inspiration are rooted in the natural beauty around him — he finds ideas in bird watching and in the flower beds of his garden. He also draws influence from historic Japanese art, especially crafts from the Meiji period such as maki-e and cloisonné. Hariya has exhibited his work at prestigious venues including the National Convention of the Japan Traditional Craftsmen Association, the Tokyo Dome Tableware Festival, and a solo exhibition titled “The World of Hariya Maki-e” at the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store. His artistry has been recognized with several honors, including selection for the 2014 JAPAN BRAND Watch Face Contest and the 2018 National Traditional Crafts Exhibition. That same year, he was officially certified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as a Traditional Craftsman in the Decoration Division of Yamanaka Lacquerware — a title granted to individuals with over 12 years of experience and demonstrated mastery. In 2023, he received the Chairman’s Award from the Yamanaka Lacquerware Cooperative Association for his highly acclaimed kingfisher-themed maki-e work on an inkstone.