It has now been fifteen years since Pelikan first introduced the Raden M1000 special editions to its portfolio, and the tradition continues. Now part of the Hamelin group since 2023, the brand remains committed to its collectors, once again delivering one of its most sought-after creations with the recent unveiling of a new addition to the series: the Pelikan Raden Stardust “Hoshikuzu”.
For this year’s edition, Pelikan draws inspiration from the galaxy’s magical spectacles, rendering a scatter of stardust through finely cut fragments of abalone shell set against a deep black Urushi lacquer.
It only takes a closer look at the fine details of this edition to understand that you are dealing with a true object of art—one that extends well beyond the utilitarian purpose of a writing instrument. Yet I have always found it more compelling to look past this aesthetic dimension.
As is well known, the decorative work on these Raden editions is carried out entirely in Japan by master artisans who specialize in these techniques, in this case, Raden. For me – and I hope I’m not alone – such collaborations not only bring together the strengths of two distinct cultures, but also help ensure the continuity of craftsmanship. In this instance, Raden remains a technique practiced by an ever-smaller number of artists, owing to its remarkable complexity. As such, editions like the Pelikan Stardust, alongside many others, play a meaningful role in preserving and carrying this centuries-old tradition forward.
About Raden
At the heart of this edition lies the Raden technique, a Japanese decorative art dating back over a 1,000 years that transforms fragments of abalone shell into luminous compositions, intricately inlaid within successive layers of lacquer.
By its very nature, it is a process that calls for time, patience, and skill. Each surface is brought to life through a sequence of meticulous stages – fragments carefully applied, sealed within layers, and gradually polished – until the material itself begins to capture and hold light rather than merely reflect it. The result is a composition rich in depth and colour, animated by subtle, shimmering effects. Its singularity is inherent to the process: no two pieces ever reveal themselves in quite the same way, and that is perhaps its real beauty.
Raden editions hold an important place in Pelikan’s portfolio and in collectors’ circles as well, as shown by the strong demand with each new release, with many struggling to secure a piece.
The Edition
The Stardust M1000 is a poetic tribute to stardust scattered across a midnight sky, a vision brought to life by the renowned artist Yamazaki Mushu and his collective, “Hoshu-kai”, a revered group of Kaga maki-e masters based in Yamanaka Onsen, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture. This edition gains even greater significance given the relatively small number of Maki-e artists preserving this ancestral lacquer technique, as fewer practitioners in Japan continue to carry this art form forward.
To create each piece, the artists begin with a base of rich black Urushi lacquer, symbolizing the depth of the vast cosmos, before gradually adding three types of finely crushed abalone shell, meticulously arranged into vertical stripes using a traditional funzutsu (powder tube), shaping a celestial scene that feels almost tangible.
As the light catches the surface, an iridescent shimmer dances across the pen, revealing hues of violet, blue, green, and silver, flickering like distant stars.
Once complete, each piece is individually signed by the artist and bears its limited-edition number applied using the maki-e technique.
Beyond its aesthetics, the edition remains a true Pelikan M1000: retaining its 177 mm profile and imposing 14.1 mm diameter, and fitted with the brand’s signature piston-filling system and a mighty 18k gold nib. The pen is presented in an elegant paulownia wood box, reflecting the reverence and care behind its creation.
Limited to 400 numbered pieces worldwide, the edition is priced at EUR 3,400 and will be available from April 2026.
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