Home : Pens : LS Collection : LS4 Asuka (Ancient Emperor City)

The LS4 Asuka (Ancient Emperor City) was launched in 2003. The composition utilizes blue pearl, white pearl, raised coral and pure gold creating a geometric three dimensional pattern.

Asuka is the name of the Ancient Emperor City and the Asuka period lasted 150 years during the sixth century. The city was located between three famous mountains, Yamato-Sanzan. The Asuka-kyo (Emperor City) was the largest and most important city of that period.

LS4 Asuka on the Parker Duofold Centennial Fountain Pen

The LS4 Asuka is an extension of the LS3 Ichimatsu (Repeating Rectangle) design. The gold and coral strips are longer and cover the whole height of each rectangle. This design is one of the most difficult to craft, in particular the coral strips which are cut and shaped to the exact size and then polished by hand. This time consuming preparatory work, however, gives a wonderful three dimensional effect to the composition.

The LS4 Asuka (left) and LS5 Nagisa (right) are embellished with more than 1000 strips of blue pearl, white pearl, coral and pure gold. The long, raised coral strips impart a wonderful three dimensional texture. The two Maki-E Art Pens compliment each other well.

The outline of the design is etched on the pen body using a sharp tool called, 'Hari Kiri' and each and every piece of pearl, coral and gold is cut to size and shape by the artist. As the circumference of the pen body changes, the width of each strip is adjusted so that the repeat rectangle symmetry is maintained. A very laborious and testing process as it requires the highest degree of craftsmanship.

There is a choice for the canvas of the Asuka. The Parker Duofold Centennial, one of the most celebrated pen models of all time and the new Classic Mythos full size fountain pen.

The gripping section and part of the barrel are covered with natural urushi colored lacquer and gold dust which compliment the blue pearl inlaid on the cap and barrel. The color of the lacquer on the pen section and barrel are created to the customer’s specification and can range from yellow to orange, red and even blue.

Asuka with section in urushi orange lacquer and pure gold dust

All LS designs carry the Red Seal signature of the creating artist. The Asuka, bears the prestigious Red Seal signature of the artist Tatsuya Tōdō. He also paints the individual limited edition number of the pen on the barrel end.

LS4 Asuka (right) and LS5 Nagisa (left) with the Red Seal signature of the artist Tatsuya Tōdō

A certificate of authenticity signed by the artist, Masa Sunami and Andreas Lambrou accompanies each pen.

The LS4 Asuka is official and carries the Parker Duofold warranty and after sales service. The Maki-E work is guaranteed by Classic Pens.

The pens are housed in hand made gift boxes along with a 32 page brochure which has full details and color photos of all 12 designs in the LS collection.

Handmade gift boxes in solid wood with a selection of finishes
to compliment the color shades of the LS Maki-E pens

The 32 page brochure with full details and full color
photographs of the LS Collection of Maki-E Art Pens

The LS4 Asuka will be produced in just 15 pieces on the Parker Duofold Centennial and 15 pieces on the Classic Mythos worldwide. Each piece is handcrafted to order. Please contact us for availability and price.

LS4 Asuka (right) and LS5 Nagisa (left) with the Red Seal signature of the artist Tatsuya Tōdō

The LS4 Asuka is completely handcrafted with natural precious materials. All pieces in the series conform to the same poetic theme, but each differs just enough from the others to be truly a distinctive work of Art.

Heirlooms feed your soul.

We are proud of our art, and it is with
honor that we can be a part in your life.

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