PILOT FOUNTAIN PEN, NAMIKI YUKARI ZODIAC HORSE. Chinese lacquer barrel with excellent quality and ebonite. Nib M, in 18 kts. yellow gold, and in 750 mls. silver. Cartridge loading. Screw cap. Limited edition. No box. Measurements: 14 cm. length, 19,70 mm. diameter. Twelve maki-e pens representing the traditional signs of the Chinese zodiac: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Hare, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Boar, in a variety of lacquer techniques, each signed as mint, in Twelve boxes with ink bottles, booklet and outer cardboard box. No limitation indicated, but rare as a set. In the history of Pilot (Namiki), 2 versions of zodiac fountain pens were made in the past and present. The original version was made of ebonite and decorated with taka maki-e (high relief lacquer and some jim-maki-e (gold dust lacquer), lighter weight, flat top and bottom. This collection was discontinued from 2007-2008 and replaced by a newer edition of the zodiac collection made of metal brass (kintai); heavier and a little more expensive. The oriental zodiac is a milestone in the collaborative work of Namiki s leading maki-e artists of the early 1990s. Each piece produced by Namiki is a true work of art, and this installment of the Zodiac collection is no exception. Each creation is individually created and signed by the Maki-e artist and takes at least three months to complete. The Maki-e technique flourished in the 14th and 15th centuries, as it was in great demand by the aristocracy and was used to decorate jewellery boxes and other Japanese furniture. It involves no less than thirty processes and produces a most luxurious result.