{"title":"Limited Edition Pen","description":"\u003cdiv aria-labelledby=\"primary-D0APYAC8UGK-1777451631.977319-sender primary-D0APYAC8UGK-1777451631.977319-message_text primary-D0APYAC8UGK-1777451631.977319-alt_text primary-D0APYAC8UGK-1777451631.977319-date_time primary-D0APYAC8UGK-1777451631.977319-reaction_count primary-D0APYAC8UGK-1777451631.977319-reply_count primary-D0APYAC8UGK-1777451631.977319-link_count primary-D0APYAC8UGK-1777451631.977319-attachment_count primary-D0APYAC8UGK-1777451631.977319-has_draft_reply primary-D0APYAC8UGK-1777451631.977319-pinned_state primary-D0APYAC8UGK-1777451631.977319-edited_state primary-D0APYAC8UGK-1777451631.977319-later_state primary-D0APYAC8UGK-1777451631.977319-broadcast_state primary-D0APYAC8UGK-1777451631.977319-broadcast_thread_root_message primary-D0APYAC8UGK-1777451631.977319-translated_state\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" id=\"message-list_1777451631.977319\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv aria-roledescription=\"message\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eA rare collection of rare designs, refined craftsmanship, and timeless writing instruments made for collectors and creators alike, with each pen a statement of exclusivity and style.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"hirai-woodworking-lacquer-unshu-series-bock-14k-gold-fine-fountain-pen","title":"Hirai Woodworking Lacquer Unshu Series Fountain Pen","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDetails\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHirai Shikkiten\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHirai Shikkiten is a boutique lacquer atelier with roots stretching back to the postwar era, quietly operating in the historic Kiso region where Japan’s finest urushi craftsmanship has been nurtured for centuries. Unlike larger workshops, Hirai Shikkiten has always remained intentionally small—often producing only a handful of pens at a time—because every piece is made entirely by hand, using natural urushi tapped from Japanese lacquer trees and cured through the slow, traditional furo process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollectors are often surprised by how much individuality each pen carries. The workshop is known for its subtly uneven textures, organic gold-leaf scattering, and warm depth of color that simply cannot be replicated through mass production. These characteristics are not “imperfections,” but the mark of true urushi work, revealing the presence of the artisan’s hand in every layer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHirai Shikkiten also has a reputation among enthusiasts for collaborating on special small-run projects with shops in Nagano and central Japan—projects that were never widely advertised, making surviving pieces unusually rare. Many older examples exhibit experimental combinations of urushi tones, metallic flakes, and hand-burnished finishes that foreshadowed techniques now used by modern luxury makers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the workshop does not operate at a commercial scale, their pens rarely appear outside Japan and are often passed between collectors before ever reaching the open market. For customers seeking something with true wabi-sabi charm—an object shaped slowly, deliberately, and with a sense of quiet artistry—Hirai Shikkiten pieces offer the experience of owning a pen that feels genuinely alive, one that reflects both the region’s heritage and the touch of the craftsman who created it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHirai Shikkiten Unshu Series\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Hirai Shikkiten fountain pen is a wonderful example of the atelier’s deep respect for natural materials and slow, traditional craftsmanship. Instead of urushi over ebonite, this piece is crafted from richly figured wood—most likely Japanese zelkova or a similar high-grade burl—chosen for its swirling grain patterns and the warmth it develops over time. Hirai Shikkiten is known for treating wood with the same level of care they give to lacquer, and that philosophy is clear here: the surface has been hand-finished to a gentle sheen that preserves the natural movement of the grain rather than obscuring it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike modern mass-produced wooden pens, this piece carries the unmistakable feel of hand shaping. The transitions between cap, section, and barrel are subtly organic, almost as if the pen has been grown rather than machined. The lacquer sealing over the wood is thin and breathable, enhancing durability while allowing the depth of the burl to glow—something collectors often describe as a “living” finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe minimalist form is deliberate. Hirai Shikkiten often avoids ornate decoration, choosing instead to highlight the inherent beauty of the material. The focus is on harmony: the warm wooden body, the quiet gold trim, and the soft curve of the silhouette create a pen that feels rooted in Japanese natural aesthetics—calm, tactile, and deeply personal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePieces like this were never produced in large numbers. They were often sold in small specialty shops in Kiso and Nagano, typically to customers who already understood the value of traditional handwork. Today, surviving examples are uncommon, especially in such clean condition. For collectors, this pen represents not only a functional writing instrument but also a rare glimpse into a workshop that worked quietly, skillfully, and without concern for mass-market trends—where every piece was made slowly, by hand, and meant to age beautifully with use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrand\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hirai Shikkiten\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial\u003c\/strong\u003e: Wood\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFilling mechanism\u003c\/strong\u003e: Converter or Cartridge (International proprietary Cartridges)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeed\u003c\/strong\u003e: Plastic\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize\u003c\/strong\u003e:149 mm (capped)  137 mm (from nib)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 30 g\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNib\u003c\/strong\u003e: Bock 14K Gold Fine size Nib\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBOCK 14K GOLD NIB \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Hirai Shikkiten pen is fitted with a Bock 14K gold nib, a choice that reflects the workshop’s preference for reliability, refinement, and long-term serviceability. Bock, a German nib manufacturer with roots dating back to 1939, is known for producing some of the most consistent and responsive nibs in the industry. Hirai Shikkiten often paired their handcrafted wooden bodies with Bock nibs precisely because they deliver a writing feel that matches the elegance and honesty of the pen itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 14K gold composition gives the nib a balanced character—slightly soft without being overly flexible—offering a gentle cushioning sensation as it meets the paper. This subtle springiness is especially appreciated by writers who enjoy a smooth, expressive line without sacrificing control. The tipping is carefully polished, creating a clean, reliable glide suitable for everyday writing or slower, more meditative note-taking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes the pairing special is the contrast between traditions: the warm, natural Japanese handcraft of the wooden body and the precision-engineered German nib working together in perfect harmony. It is a combination seen only in small artisanal workshops, where the maker selects each component for function, feel, and longevity rather than brand uniformity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver time, the Bock 14K nib develops an even smoother character as it subtly adapts to the user’s writing angle. In a pen like this—already rich with organic texture and handmade spirit—the nib becomes not just a writing tool but an extension of the writer, evolving with each page written.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRAND NEW!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Engeika Order","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47914147479690,"sku":"NVF-NSK-458","price":500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0374\/6188\/5066\/files\/img9812-edit.jpg?v=1775197160"},{"product_id":"1960s-vintage-pilot-vanishing-point-1st-generation-14k-gold-jis-nib-fountain-pen","title":"1960s Vintage Pilot Vanishing Point 1st Generation Fountain Pen","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDetails\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePilot Capless C-600MW 1st Generation \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Pilot Capless C-600MW represents one of the earliest executions of Pilot’s groundbreaking retractable fountain pen design. Produced during the 1960s, this first-generation Capless reflects the bold innovation of Pilot Corporation at a time when the company was redefining convenience in fine writing instruments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike traditional fountain pens, the Capless features a push-button mechanism that allows the nib to retract into the barrel, eliminating the need for a cap. The C-600MW model showcases early mechanical engineering that laid the foundation for what would later become the globally recognized Vanishing Point series. Its construction often includes metal components and a distinctive clip placement near the nib section, a design element that both stabilizes grip and reinforces the pen’s utilitarian character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe nib unit in first-generation models is typically 14K gold, offering smooth ink flow with the precise, controlled feel characteristic of vintage Pilot tuning. These early nibs are particularly appreciated for their responsiveness and reliability, reflecting a period when each unit was carefully assembled and adjusted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, the first-generation Pilot Capless C-600MW is highly regarded among collectors for its historical importance, mechanical ingenuity, and its role in establishing one of the most innovative fountain pen designs ever produced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrand\u003c\/strong\u003e: Pilot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial\u003c\/strong\u003e: Metal with Laquer Coating\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFilling mechanism\u003c\/strong\u003e: Cartridge (Pilot Proprietary Cartridge)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClosing System\u003c\/strong\u003e: Twist\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeed\u003c\/strong\u003e: Plastic\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize\u003c\/strong\u003e: 140 mm \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 20 g \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNib\u003c\/strong\u003e: 14K-585 Gold JIS 465 Nib\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePILOT CAPLESS \u003cspan\u003e14K-585 GOLD JIS 465 NIB\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 14K gold nib fitted to the first-generation Pilot Capless C-600MW reflects the early innovation and precision tuning of Pilot Corporation during the 1960s. Compact in size to accommodate the retractable mechanism, the nib was carefully engineered to deliver smooth performance despite its shorter profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrafted from solid 14K gold, the nib provides controlled ink flow with the crisp precision characteristic of vintage Japanese nibs. Many examples exhibit a slightly firm yet subtly responsive feel, offering a clean and consistent line while retaining a gentle natural spring under light pressure. The tipping is shaped to ensure durability and long-term reliability, particularly important for a mechanism that retracts into the barrel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite the mechanical complexity of the Capless design, the 14K nib maintains impressive stability and smoothness, demonstrating Pilot’s ability to merge innovation with dependable writing performance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eConditions\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis pen was bought from a 2nd hand collectors market, Pre-Owned however we have cleaned the pen and the nib again. There is no damage on the body however due to wear and age, there are minor wear and tear on the pen. Due to that it is in A Tier Condition. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis pen takes the Pilot Double Spare Cartridge or the CON-W Converter. (It will not come with a converter or cartridge)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pen is obtained by second-hand collectors market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease see the pictures for the condition of the pen!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease treat the pen with the utmost care, please refrain from opening hinges or things that might appear untightened, due to the age of this pen and hard contact or excessive force exerted on the pen damaging the pen.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Engeika Order","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47914255974538,"sku":"NVF-NSK-480","price":550.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0374\/6188\/5066\/files\/img1194-edit.jpg?v=1775200873"}],"url":"https:\/\/engeika.com\/collections\/limited-edition-pen.oembed","provider":"engeika.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}