3776 Century Kaga Maki-e Poppy Fountain pen by Platinum – a colourful model for sublime writing
In imperial Japan, objects made using the maki-e technique were highly prized by royal families and military leaders as they symbolised power above all. Today, this lacquer technique is still used for precious objects, including some fountain pens. Platinum’s 3776 Century Kaga Poppy is an exceptional example.
While its brilliance immediately attracts our attention, it is the magnificent motifs on the barrel and cap that really catch our eye. Poppy flowers are depicted, their stems and leaves enhanced by the golden colour and small pieces of gold. The Japanese Master has added mother-of-pearl splinters here and there, especially in place of the pistils, using the raden technique. This consists of cutting out the inner lining of a seashell and embedding it in a lacquered background. The word “raden” is composed of “ra”, designating the mollusk with a spiral-shaped shell, and “den”, designating the decoration by the shell.
The work of the master lacquerer:
To create this masterpiece, the artist applies a layer of urushi lacquer to the fountain pen before drawing the patterns with ultra-fine brushes. He then sprinkles the designs delicately with gold powder before a second layer of lacquer is applied. As all the steps are manual and non-reproducible, each piece is of course a unique work. The Kaga Poppy is signed with the artist’s name at the top of the barrel.
The base of the fountain pen to which the lacquer has been applied is made of resin. All its trims are gold-plated. The thread of the section is made of metal. The model is equipped with the revolutionary and completely innovative “Slip & Seal” system, created in 2011 by Platinum: the inside of the cap is fitted with a spring linked to an internal plastic cap that provides a perfect airtight seal. This patented system prevents the ink from evaporating and the nib from drying out for up to two years without the fountain pen being used.
The nib:
The nib is made of 18 carat gold. Beautifully engraved, including an illustration of Mount Fuji, which 3776 refers to at its height, it is available in sizes F, M and B.
The 3776 Century Kaga Maki-e Poppy fountain pen by Platinum is supplied with its converter, whose metal part is gold-plated, and a cartridge. It will be delivered to you in a beautiful wooden box, set on a red velvet cloth.
Click here if you wish to buy a dedicated cleaning kit.
Features:
1. Fountain pen:
- base material: resin
- finish: urushi lacquer, maki-e and raden
- colour: black
- trim material: gold-plated
- trim colour: yellow gold
- cap type: screw-cap
- postable cap: yes
- length, closed: 138 mm
- length, without cap: 118 mm
- length, cap posted: 155 mm
- body diameter: 13 mm
- weight, with cap: 23 g
- weight, without cap: 13 g
2. Nib:
- material: 18 carat gold
- colour: yellow gold
- available sizes: fine, medium, broad
3. Filling:
- filling mechanism: converter, cartridge
- compatible inks: bottle, Platinum cartridge
- included: converter, cartridge
4. Warranty: 2 years
Platinum has decided to stop production of the Century Poppy in 2024. We can still order it until the brand has sold all its stock. There will be no further restocking thereafter.
verified customer
Une pure merveille. Un stylo léger, de toute beauté avec une plume d’une qualité exceptionnelle. Je découvre, sur les conseils avisés de Fanny (merci encore d’avoir guidé mon choix vers ce stylo) la sensation si particulière des plumes japonaises et particulièrement celle de Platinum. Je suis conquise. Un stylo, véritable œuvre d’art, que je me lasse pas d’admirer et d’utiliser, et qui magnifie mon écriture.
Merci infiniment, chère Gwenola, d’avoir pris le temps de laisser un avis aussi détaillé !
Nous sommes plus qu’heureux de votre satisfaction et ce fut un grand plaisir d’échanger avec vous :)
Il n’y a pas de mots assez fort pour décrire l’émotion ressentie en le tenant entre les doigts. Son élégance sublime l’écriture et améliore la créativité.
Merci, chère Sarah, d’avoir pris le temps de donner votre avis. Votre satisfaction nous comble de joie !
The quality is great, as may be expected from Platinum; anyone familiar with the brand will know. This is not only a good pen, but also a beautiful piece of art.
The M nib is comparable to a European F size nib; if you prefer broader lines, better order B. For me, M is as expected.
For me, the pen is relatively small in my hand, but not too small (I am used to the size of a Nakaya portable).
A big THANKS, dear Jasper, for taking the time to leave such a detailed review!
We are delighted that you like this “piece of art”, as you rightly call it ;)
A gorgeous Fountain Pen.
Thanks a lot, dear Fountain pen Friend!