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AL1 Kikusuimon on Parker Duofold Centennial Fountain Pen

Classic Pens launched the AL Signature Collection in 2005. The Maki-E Art Pens of this collection are the fruit of a positive collaboration between Andreas Lambrou, Masa Sunami and some of the top Maki-E artists in Japan. The designs are unique, they are hand crafted and use techniques where the highest level of skill is required. Each and every design carries the prestigious Red Seal signature of the artist.

The working relationship between Lambrou and Sunami began more than 20 years ago. They are both avid pen collectors and started to study and collect fountain pens at a very young age. Over the years they have helped each other to source pens for their collections and exchanged information on the pen industry. Masa Sunami assisted in the Japanese chapter of Lambrou's first book, Fountain Pens Vintage and Modern (1989) and translated the book in his native Japanese. This was published in 1990 through a fruitful cooperation with the Parker Pen Company. Masa also assisted with the research and photographs of the Japanese Chapter in Lambrou's book, Fountain Pens of the World.

Lambrou and Sunami have always been interested in customized fountain pens and in 1992 their working relationship culminated in some exciting Tsugaru designs produced by the Pilot Pen Company for Classic Pens. In the year 2000 their working relationship was strengthened through the development and launch of the Lambrou Sunami LS Collection of Maki-E Art Pens. The LS collection now comprises twelve unique and exquisite Maki-E designs.

The AL1 Signature Kikusuimon (Chrysanthemum and Stream) was launched in 2005. Its decoration is an interpretation of a traditional Japanese motif, in use since the thirteenth century. Symbolically, the chrysanthemum, which has medicinal uses, connotes health; flowing water is a symbol of long life. The decoration of the Kikusuimon combines elements of several specialized lacquer working techniques. In particular, the artist applies the principles of the Kakiwari technique, one of the most testing in Maki-E. With Kakiwari art, the raised elements are all individual, none of them touch one another.

Crysanthemum raised parts are individual, highlighting the Kakiwari Maki-E technique

The Maki-E artist is Kyoosai Kamide. This 37 year old artist, although relatively young is highly acclaimed and all his works are made to order. The market response to the Kikusuimon has been very positive. The design was also featured on the cover of Pen World International magazine June/July 2005.

The second design in the Signature Collection is the AL2 Marlon Brando Tahiti Musume (Tahitian Maiden). Launched in 2005, the pen is named in honor of the iconic actor. The project was made possible through the fruitful collaboration of many players. The Estate of the late actor; a Polynesian nature conservancy and education organization; the Parker pen company; Maki-E master Tatsuya Tōdō; Japan’s premier pen collector Masa Sunami and Classic Pens.

The meticulously handcrafted Maki-E design was inspired by the work of French painter Paul Gauguin (1848-1903), who lived in Tahiti in his final years and often featured native women in his works. The pen depicts the tanned figure of a young maiden standing in a pond surrounded by tiare flowers and leaves.

Highlights of the Tahitian Maiden standing in a pond

The design incorporates a variety of flowers native to the Tahitian islands such as red hibiscus, violet passion flowers and pink water lilies. The star of the design is the fragrant white tiare flower. The sparkling water is represented by inlaid blue mother of pearl. The artwork portrays a scene of French Polynesia. Few things were as close to Brando’s heart as Tetiaroa, an atoll near Tahiti where he spent part of his life.

Highlights of red hibiscus and violet passion flowers on the pen cap

The Maki-E artist is the celebrated Tatsuya Tōdō. He is one of the younger Maki-E masters in Japan. He has been awarded many highly coveted prizes for the excellence of his work. Classic Pens and Tatsuya Tōdō have had a fruitful working relationship since 2001. The artist has painted several novel designs for Classic Pens which are part of the LS and AL Signature Collection Maki-E Art Pens.

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