SAILOR - "Hana Henro" Fountain Pen (曄遍路) - The Flowery Pilgrimage

Takamatsu Mitsukoshi Limited Edition: 88 pieces

Takamatsu Mitsukoshi Original, September 2018

Model: Profit Standard

Maki-e Artist: Masatoshi Kobayashi, artist name Ishin (已眞)

Technique: Traditional maki-e on urushi lacquer

Design: Pilgrim (henro) walking among blooming rhododendrons (shakunage 石楠花)

Nib: 14k gold, Extra Fine (EF)

Precious Materials: Tagayasan ironwood (鉄刀木 - rosewood) (Indian/Ceylon ebony) for the cap cabochon and the base button

Machining: Made by the Sailor factory in Ten'ō (now the Hiroshima factory)

Spiritual detail: Sanskrit calligraphy (bonji) in gold powder on the cap

System: Cartridge/converter

Condition: New - Never Inked

Exceptional condition: Absolutely new pen, never used, never inked. Opened only for photography. The nib has never touched paper. Pristine condition.

Complete set:

Original box

Official Takamatsu Mitsukoshi descriptive card (visible in photo)

2 cartridges/Sailor converter available.

Complete Documentation

Historical and Cultural Context

The name "Hana Henro" (曄遍路) poetically evokes the famous Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage (Shikoku Henro), one of the most important spiritual journeys in Japanese Buddhism. The character 曄, read here as hana, resonates with 花 (flower), foreshadowing the floral theme of this artwork.

The limited edition of exactly 88 pens directly references the 88 temples of the pilgrimage, each pen symbolizing a temple along this sacred 1,200-kilometer path.

The maki-e design delicately depicts a pilgrim seen from behind, walking along the path bathed in spring light, amidst rhododendrons (shakunage) in full bloom.

This flower is the emblem of the Shikoku mountains and traditionally accompanies pilgrims on their spiritual journey.

The city of Takamatsu, located in Kagawa Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, is one of the traditional starting and ending points of the pilgrimage. The Mitsukoshi department store in Takamatsu commissioned this exclusive edition to celebrate this local cultural and spiritual heritage.

The artist Masatoshi Kobayashi (Ishin) perpetuates the ancestral techniques of maki-e with exceptional mastery. His work captures both the meditative solitude of the pilgrim and the serene beauty of the Shikoku mountain landscape.

Tagayasan ironwood (鉄刀木), used for the cap and base, is a precious material of exceptional density and hardness, traditionally reserved for the most prestigious pieces of Japanese craftsmanship. This Indian rosewood develops a characteristic, noble patina over time.

The 14-karat gold Extra Fine nib offers a fine and precise line, particularly prized for traditional Japanese writing and calligraphy.

Rarity and Provenance

This edition is one of the most exclusive collaborations between Sailor and major Japanese department stores. Of the 88 pieces produced, almost all remained in Japan, making this pen exceptionally rare on the European market.

Mitsukoshi editions in collaboration with Sailor are renowned for their impeccable craftsmanship and significant heritage value. This Hana Henro embodies both Sailor's technical excellence and the spiritual depth of the Shikoku pilgrimage.

Official Authentication: Artist confirmed by Sailor Pen Company (direct correspondence 2024).

A unique collector's item for maki-e enthusiasts, Sailor collectors, or anyone passionate about Japanese culture and spirituality.

Shipping

Secure shipping and careful packaging. Shipped from France