Many of you have probably read the headline and wondered what Dunhill has to do with Namiki, while others may have heard of the famous creations born out of the partnership between the two brands, but still wanted to find out more details and possibly see photos of them. Well, today’s article is all about an incredible story around craftsmanship, artistry, friendship, bravery and exploring new horizons in a rapidly evolving 1920s era. Before we go any further, I’d like to present you a brief history of each company and then move on to the partnership between the two giants.
Brief History of Dunhill | From the automotive world to the luxury goods industry
In an era of significant social, technological and economic change, often referred to as the late Victorian and early Edwardian era in Britain, Alfred Dunhill would establish Alfred Dunhill Ltd. in 1893. The company initially focused on automotive accessories, catering to the emerging motorcar industry, and achieved early success with its “Motorities” line, which offered items ranging from leather overcoats to car horns. In 1907, Dunhill shifted its focus by opening a tobacconist shop on Duke Street, where it introduced high-quality pipes and tobacco.
This move solidified Dunhill’s reputation as a premier brand for discerning gentlemen. The iconic “White Spot” pipe, introduced during this period, became a symbol of excellence in smoking accessories. Throughout the 20th century, Dunhill expanded its product range to include luxury leather goods, men’s fashion, and accessories. The brand’s dedication to craftsmanship and innovation has made it a favorite among celebrities and royalty. Today, Alfred Dunhill is a 131-year-old company with a rich history and a unique, almost secretive charm, cherished and appreciated by connoisseurs worldwide.
Brief History of Namiki and the Kokkokai Group
Namiki was founded in 1918 in Tokyo by Ryosuke Namiki, a visionary engineer and artisan, who aimed to produce gold nib pens. A few years later, he was joined by Masao Wada, and together they laid the foundation of the Namiki Manufacturing Company Ltd. in 1925. Their innovation led to the development of a patented process to apply lacquer to pen bodies, protecting them from scratches and fading. In 1926, they introduced the ancient art of Maki-e to their pens.
Maki-e is a traditional Japanese lacquer technique where gold or silver powder is sprinkled onto wet lacquer to create intricate designs. This meticulous process involves multiple layers of lacquer and powder, often incorporating materials like mother-of-pearl or eggshell. The result is a stunning and durable artwork used to decorate high-quality items such as fountain pens. Each piece is crafted with exceptional precision and artistry, making Maki-e a celebrated and esteemed form of Japanese craftsmanship.
Maki-e quickly became the hallmark of Namiki pens, transforming them from functional items into true works of art.
In 1931, to further preserve and advance the art of Maki-e, Gonroku Matsuda, a renowned Japanese lacquer artist, and Ryosuke Namiki founded the Kokkokai Group. This prestigious collective of master artisans is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of Maki-e craftsmanship.
The name “Kokkokai” translates to “Group of the Nation’s Light,” reflecting their mission to keep traditional techniques alive and vibrant. Kokkokai artisans meticulously handcraft each piece, ensuring that every Namiki pen is a masterpiece of unparalleled beauty and precision. Together, Namiki and the Kokkokai Group have set the gold standard in lacquer art, blending time-honored techniques with innovative designs. Their craftsmanship has produced some of the most sought-after and celebrated writing instruments in the world.
Gonroku Matsuda, the main founder, was named a “Living National Treasure” of Japan, a prestigious title honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the preservation and advancement of traditional Japanese arts and crafts.
The Story of the Dunhill-Namiki Partnership: How It All Began
Let’s delve into the history of the Dunhill-Namiki partnership and see how this remarkable collaboration came to life. This story is not only historical but also deeply inspiring.
In the early 1920s, the world was evolving rapidly, as were the aspirations of two remarkable men—Alfred Dunhill, a British entrepreneur known for his impeccable taste and high-quality luxury goods, and Ryosuke Namiki, a Japanese engineer passionate about innovation and traditional craftsmanship.
While Alfred Dunhill had already established his brand as a premier name in men’s accessories and luxury items, Ryosuke Namiki in Japan was pushing the boundaries of what was possible with Maki-e decorated writing instruments. The fateful meeting between these two visionaries occurred in 1927 when Setsuji Wada, Namiki’s sales representative and brother of the company’s co-founder, showcased Namiki’s products to Alfred Dunhill in London. Alfred and his brother Herbert Dunhill were both intrigued by the ancient Japanese art technique. Herbert Dunhill, the purchasing manager, suggested that Clement Court, who oversaw Dunhill’s business in France, investigate a potential union between the two companies.
Interestingly, Herbert Dunhill didn’t pursue this solely for commercial purposes. Court, a man of great taste with a fondness for Japanese lacquerware, was ideal for this mission. After prolonged discussions between Court and Wada, they embarked on an incredible journey on March 30, 1930, traveling from Paris to Tokyo through Russia, Mongolia, and Korea. Upon arrival in Tokyo, Clement Court stayed at Wada’s home, a sign of great honor and respect, and the two men became lifelong friends.
This extraordinary journey, reminiscent of Jules Verne’s “Around the World in 80 Days,” was documented in Clement Court’s diary, usually kept in Dunhill’s archive. Today, we have the unique opportunity to share this historical documentation, uncovering a small piece of history that laid the foundation for one of the most legendary partnerships in the pen industry.
The collaboration that emerged from this trip perfectly fused British elegance with Japanese artistry. Dunhill secured worldwide rights to distribute all Namiki-manufactured goods, and the partnership thrived. Dunhill-Namiki pens quickly became highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs worldwide. These pens were not just writing instruments; they symbolized refinement, luxury, and the seamless blend of two rich cultures. The craftsmanship of Namiki’s artists, combined with Dunhill’s reputation for quality, created pens that were both works of art and highly collectible.
Over the years, this collaboration produced a series of limited edition and custom-designed pens, each a testament to the skill and dedication of the Kokkokai Group. Today, more than ever, Dunhill-Namiki pens are treasured by collectors and enthusiasts for their historical significance, unparalleled craftsmanship, and exquisite beauty. They stand as a testament to what can be achieved when two cultures come together and when people and companies unite with passion, dedication, and action.
The commitment and savoir-faire of the Kokkokai Group are further underscored by the grading system of Maki-e pens, which defines the complexity and pricing of these artworks. Below is a quick explanation of the grades that define the complexity and therefore the pricing of such an Artwork.
Grade “D” pens are plain black pens made out of “Urushi.” These are also lacquered but not decorated. The plain black lacquer renders these pens, too, impervious to light, heat or moisture.
They will retain their brilliant lustre practically forever.
Grade “C” pens are similarly decorated with lacquer in less elaborate designs.
Grade “B” pens are extensively lacquered, inlaid with gold, silver or mother-of-pearl, on black lacquer base in which is mingled pure gold dust.
Grade “A” pens are heavily lacquered all over with the finest worked-in designs; many are inlaid with gold, silver or mother-of-pearl; each is signed by the artist entrusted with the decoration and this is the only grade of detailed work that is accepted for Dunhill-Namiki Writing Instruments.
Now that we’ve explored the historical aspects, let’s move on to some incredible pieces that nobody expected to still be on the market.
Dunhill-Namiki Kingfisher – Launched in 2008
The Dunhill-Namiki Kingfisher is a remarkable edition released in 2008, three years after the celebratory Dunhill-Namiki edition marking 75 years of partnership between Dunhill and Namiki. This piece, highly coveted and nearly impossible to find for less than $150,000, is a true collector’s gem.
The Kingfisher is presented in an elegant, Japanese-inspired packaging. The outer white box encloses a beautifully decorated inner box with six layers of lacquering, bearing the Alfred Dunhill logo. Inside, the pen is housed in a smooth suede-lined holder, accompanied by a leather pen pouch, official certificates, papers, and a pipette for filling the Emperor-sized fountain pen.
Inspired by ancient Japanese haiku poems, the Kingfisher’s design reflects the love story between a male bird fishing for the female while she waits for his return. The pink Nadeshiko flower, a summer blossom that appears during the Kingfisher’s courtship, symbolizes deep love.
Limited to only 25 pieces worldwide, the Dunhill-Namiki Kingfisher is an Emperor-sized fountain pen with an ebonite base and a yellow gold ring at the bottom of the cap. This edition was designed by Master Maki-E Artist Seiki Chida of the Kokkokai Group, and it took the artist at least six months to create one pen, which is impressive as it highlights the extraordinary dedication and skill involved. In fact, Master Maki-E artists typically spend up to 30 years perfecting grade B and C artworks until they are eligible to produce the A-grade pieces required by Dunhill.
The Kingfisher is adorned with raised takamaki-e and burnished togidashi maki-e, utilizing copious amounts of gold dust and aogai (the most precise form of mother-of-pearl inlay). The cap features a female kingfisher perched by a river amidst Nadeshiko blossoms, while the barrel depicts a brightly plumed male kingfisher presenting his catch. The river’s eddies and swirls are rendered with marvelous fluidity and grace, showcasing Seiki Chida’s unrivaled skill.
Just looking at the intricate details of this incredible work of art is breathtaking, imagine holding one in your hand. The fountain pen is equipped with an Emperor 18k gold nib, specially created and embossed for this edition.
The Dunhill-Namiki Turtle – Launched in 2010
Next on our list is the Dunhill-Namiki Turtle, this edition comes in packaging similar to that of the Kingfisher featuring a black lacquered box with the pen elegantly placed in a suede holder, accompanied by a leather pen pouch and all necessary papers and tools.
The Dunhill-Namiki Turtle narrates the ‘Tale of Urashima Taro,’ a story about a kind fisherman named Urashima Taro who rescues a turtle from mistreatment. In gratitude, the turtle takes him to the underwater Dragon Palace (Ryugu-jo), where he meets the beautiful princess Otohime. After what seems like a few days in the palace, Taro decides to return home. The princess gives him a box as a parting gift, instructing him never to open it to retain his happiness. Upon returning, he finds many years have passed, his village has changed, and his parents are long gone. In his loneliness and despair, he opens the box and instantly transforms into an old man. The box contained his old age.
The Dunhill-Namiki Turtle is a limited edition of only 25 fountain pens worldwide. It is an Emperor-sized pen with an ebonite base and a yellow gold ring at the bottom of the cap.
This edition was crafted by Maki-e Master Michifumi Kawaguchi, a member of the Kokkokai Group, and showcases a variety of challenging Maki-e techniques, including highly-raised shishiai-togidashi maki-e (the highest level of lacquer work), takamaki-e, kirikane gold-leaf ornamentation, and raden mother-of-pearl inlays. Each piece takes six months to complete.
The cap features a large turtle adorned with abundant gold dust maki-e, swimming in a sea of shimmering raden with a nearby school of tiny gold dust fish. The barrel depicts two yellow fish swimming among coral, with a small turtle emerging from concealment on the sea floor. Another turtle is depicted on the top of the cap, while the bottom of the pen displays the Maki-e painted Dunhill logo and the piece number.
Between a coral and a rock on the barrel, you’ll find the signature of Maki-e Master Michifumi Kawaguchi. Just like the aforementioned edition, this one features an Emperor 18k Dunhill-Namiki nib, presenting embossed corals, a heart-shaped breathing hole, and a black Urushi lacquered feed.
Dunhill-Namiki Yoshitsune – Launched in 2019
Third on our list and also the edition that marked the last collaboration between Dunhill and Namiki was released in 2019 and has a very interesting story. It draws inspiration from one of the greatest warriors in Japanese history and it celebrates the heroic victory of Minamoto no Yoshitsune at the Battle of Ichi-no-Tani in 1184 during the Genpei War. Yoshitsune led a daring surprise attack by guiding his troops down a steep and treacherous cliff, catching the Taira forces off guard and securing a decisive victory. This battle highlighted Yoshitsune’s strategic genius and bravery, securing his legacy as a celebrated warrior in Japanese lore.
This edition celebrates bravery, courage, and strategic thinking—qualities highly relevant even today.
Limited to just 15 pieces worldwide, the Yoshitsune was released nine years after the last Dunhill-Namiki edition, the Turtle. Like the Kingfisher, the Yoshitsune was crafted by Master Maki-E Artist Seiki Chida using akamaki-e and burnished togidashi maki-e with gold dust and aogai.
The cap of the pen is a masterpiece of detail, depicting the hills above Ichi-no-Tani with samurais running down the cliff to surprise the Taira forces. Impressively, the ocean at the foot of the cliff shimmers with mother-of-pearl and abalone, giving the illusion of moving water when viewed under light.
The barrel features an intricate drawing of Yoshitsune and one of his soldiers arriving at the base of the cliff.
As expected, this piece is fitted with a specially made Emperor-size 18k Dunhill-Namiki nib.
I think these pieces really deserve some appreciation because of the exceptional artistry of Master Seiki Chida. This A Grade masterpiece commands our admiration and stands as a testament to his extraordinary talent.
For those of you waiting patiently until the end, here are some exciting news: a limited number of these pieces are still available. So, there is only 1 Dunhill-Namiki Kingfisher (2008) available priced at $68,500, 2 Dunhill-Namiki Turtle (2010) – $68,500 each, and 12 out of the 15 Dunhill-Namiki Yoshitsune (2019) at $68,500 each.
The fact that you can buy this at a retail price considering the limited batch is a great opportunity. I think these pieces have the potential to increase their value even more in the future considering that the Dunhill-Namiki Sakura Rose is currently priced at $350,000.
We can all agree that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that would be a pity to miss. One not only gets a pen but a piece of Dunhill’s and Namiki’s heritage and also of the artists who left their mark on them.
If you are interested in owning one, please contact Samuel Naldi directly at samuel@styleofzug.com
Please note that these editions will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
