Custom Maki-e and Raden Pens from Japan
Matsuzawa Urushi Kobo creates bespoke fountain pens decorated with traditional Japanese urushi, maki-e, and raden techniques. Each pen is made to order for collectors who value Japanese craftsmanship, lacquer art, and one-of-a-kind writing instruments.
We accept custom commissions from overseas clients. You may request a theme, motif, base pen, or overall direction, and we will prepare a proposal and quotation based on the complexity of the work.
Custom decoration generally starts from USD 2,000. The final price depends on the base pen, design complexity, maki-e, raden, and urushi work. The cost of the base pen, international shipping, and PayPal fees are additional.
A limited number of commission slots are currently available.
Price Guide
Custom decoration generally starts from USD 2,000. The final price depends on the base pen, design complexity, maki-e, raden, and urushi work.
Simple urushi or restrained decoration:
from USD 2,000
Detailed maki-e or raden decoration:
approximately USD 3,000–5,000
Highly complex full-barrel commissions:
quoted individually
The cost of the base pen, international shipping, and PayPal fees are additional.
Examples of Our Work
Our custom fountain pens range from restrained urushi finishes to detailed maki-e and raden decoration. Each commission is designed according to the theme, base pen, and budget of the client.
Maki-e Fountain Pens
Traditional maki-e techniques allow gold and colored powders to create motifs such as birds, flowers, landscapes, mythological subjects, and classical Japanese designs on the surface of urushi lacquer.
Raden Fountain Pens
Raden decoration uses shell inlay to create subtle iridescence and depth. It is especially effective for designs inspired by water, moonlight, insects, flowers, and abstract patterns.
Bespoke Themes
We can discuss themes based on Japanese art, literature, mythology, animals, family symbols, personal stories, or a client’s own reference images.
About Matsuzawa Urushi Kobo
Matsuzawa Urushi Kobo is an urushi workshop based in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, Japan. Our work is rooted in Japanese lacquer culture and in the materials and techniques of the Tohoku region.
We work with urushi, maki-e, raden, and related lacquer techniques to create custom fountain pens and lacquer objects for clients in Japan and overseas.
Our workshop has experience with overseas commissions and international shipping. Each custom pen is discussed individually according to the client’s theme, preferred base pen, budget, and desired level of decoration.
We do not mass-produce these pens. Each commission is made individually, and the number of available commission slots is limited.
Custom Orders Welcome
We welcome custom orders for maki-e and raden fountain pen decoration. Our team works with skilled Japanese maki-e artisans to create bespoke designs on selected fountain pens or on pens provided by clients.
If you have a specific theme, artwork, literary reference, mythology, animal, landscape, or traditional Japanese motif in mind, please contact us with your ideas and reference images.
Discuss Your Bespoke Fountain Pen Project
How to Order a Custom Fountain Pen
Step 1: Share Your Idea
Please send us your preferred theme, motif, reference images, and any specific requirements. You may also tell us your preferred base pen, nib, color tone, and budget range.
Step 2: Choose or Provide a Base Pen
If you would like us to decorate a Japanese fountain pen, we may be able to source one for you. You may also send us a fountain pen you already own.
Step 3: Proposal and Quotation
After reviewing your request, we will prepare a proposal and quotation. The price will depend on the base pen, design complexity, maki-e, raden, and urushi work.
Step 4: Deposit
Once the quotation is approved, we will issue an invoice. A deposit of 50% is generally required before work begins. In some cases, full payment may be requested in advance.
Step 5: Production
Production usually takes approximately 3 to 6 months, depending on the complexity of the work and our current schedule.
Step 6: International Shipping
Completed pens are shipped internationally by EMS or another suitable shipping method. Shipping costs and payment fees are charged separately.
What to Include in Your Inquiry
To help us prepare an accurate proposal, please include as much of the following information as possible when you contact us.
- Your preferred theme, motif, or story
- Reference images, if available
- Preferred base pen or brand
- Preferred nib size, if already decided
- Preferred color tone or atmosphere
- Approximate budget
- Country for international shipping
You do not need to have a complete design before contacting us. A general idea, image, or theme is enough to begin the discussion.
Commission Inquiry
If you are interested in commissioning a custom maki-e or raden fountain pen, please contact us with your idea, preferred base pen, and approximate budget.