The Japanese phoenix or Houou is a mystical bird far from the version of the West. It’s said to have the head of a bird and a snake’s neck, with the front of its body resembling a giraffe and the latter half a deer. Its back has a tortoise shell and its tail is a fish. Believed to have been introduced during the Asuka period (538 to 710), it became a symbol of peace and balance within the realm. 

Later, it evolved a more bird-like appearance and took on the role of the gods’ messenger, the mediator between worlds, and the harbinger of happiness. This role is still recognized today, and figures of Houou are usually seen on top of mikoshi, or the palanquins used to transport deities during festivals. 

A gorgeous representation of this mystical bird is found on the Pelikan M1000 Maki-e Phoenix. The Houou’s body is made with inlaid raden as contrast to the beautiful swaths of brown and gold maki-e that used a blend of Togidashi maki-e and taka-maki e techniques, resulting in raised burnished lacquer that offers a unique writing experience. 

We have for sale a Pelikan M1000 Maki-e Phoenix with a two-tone 18C-750 gold nib in M and gold-plated trims. This piston-filler fountain pen comes complete with its paulownia wood gift box, papers, and other inserts. 

Length capped: 14.6 cm. 
Length uncapped: 13.5 cm.