Most Expensive Japanese Fountain Pens | Top Luxury Picks

Japan is home to some of the most extraordinary fountain pens in the world. While everyday Japanese pens are known for reliability and smooth writing, the country’s luxury fountain pens belong to a completely different universe—one where centuries-old lacquer techniques, hand-painted maki-e artwork, rare materials, and artisan skill elevate a writing tool into a masterpiece.

Some of these pens take months to finish. Others exist in editions of just a few dozen pieces worldwide. A few have even shattered auction records, becoming treasures held in private collections.

If you’ve ever wondered what the most expensive Japanese fountain pens truly are, and what makes them so special, this guide will take you through the standout examples—from accessible luxury to museum-level artistry.

The 10 Most Expensive Japanese Fountain Pens in 2025

Below is the updated, research-based ranking of Japan’s most valuable fountain pens, including limited editions, artisan creations, and rare Namiki masterpieces.

1. Namiki Emperor “Peace” Limited Edition – $100,000+
2. Namiki Emperor “Goldfish” by Yutaro Sato – $80,000–$120,000
3. Namiki Yukari Royale “Rabbit and Moon” 100th Anniversary – $20,000–$40,000
4. Namiki Emperor Collection (Standard Maki-e Series) – $8,000–$20,000
5. Sailor King of Pens “Battle of Ganryu-jima” – $7,000–$9,000
6. Namiki Yukari Royale Collection – $3,000–$7,000
7. Taccia Miyabi Empress Urushi Series – $2,000–$3,000
8. Tohma Kumataka 55 Sport – $1,000–$1,800
9. Nakaya Urushi & Maki-e Series – $650–$2,500+
10. Platinum #3776 Century Limited Editions – $250–$450

Namiki Emperor “Peace” Limited Edition

One of the most expensive Japanese fountain pens ever produced.

This breathtaking pen showcases the pinnacle of Kokkokai maki-e artistry, featuring cranes, doves, and peace motifs rendered in precious metal powders and multi-layer lacquer techniques.

• Extremely rare: often fewer than 20 pieces worldwide

• Months of hand-painting per pen

• Massive Emperor-size 18k gold nib

• Considered a museum-grade art object

Pieces occasionally surface at auctions, where they command extraordinarily high prices.

Namiki Emperor “Goldfish” by Yutaro Sato

A legendary pen in Japanese lacquer art.

This Emperor model features mesmerizing goldfish depicted with raden (shell inlay), gold powders, and raised maki-e. The intricate layering makes the fish appear suspended inside water—an effect incredibly difficult to achieve.

• One of the most technically complex maki-e pens ever created

• Highly sought-after by collectors

• Rarely seen in public markets

Its auction record places it among Japan’s highest-value writing instruments.

Namiki Yukari Royale “Rabbit and Moon” 100th Anniversary

Released for Pilot’s 100th anniversary, this series epitomizes luxury and symbolism.

• Only 100 pieces created

• Deeply layered urushi and gold dust landscapes

• Artist signature on every pen

• Smooth, expressive 18k gold nib

A true collector’s piece that appreciates over time.

Namiki Emperor Collection (Standard Maki-e Series)

Even Namiki’s non-limited Emperor models are masterpieces.

These pens feature iconic scenes—dragons, tigers, koi, phoenixes, Mt. Fuji—painted using high-grade maki-e techniques on oversized ebonite bodies.

• Huge #50 18k gold nib

• Urushi-coated ebonite body

• Each model hand-painted by master artisans

These pens represent the “entry level” of museum-caliber luxury.

Sailor King of Pens “Battle of Ganryu-jima”

One of Sailor’s most spectacular and rare creations.

This limited edition retells the legendary duel between Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro.

• Only 33 pieces produced worldwide

• Elaborate maki-e battle scene motif

• 21k oversized Sailor nib

• A true cultural tribute

Collectors consider it one of Sailor’s finest works

Namiki Yukari Royale Collection

A more compact but equally artistic alternative to the Emperor series.

• Hand-signed maki-e artwork

• Raden and gold powder detailing

• 18k gold nib with exceptional tuning

• Dozens of themes inspired by Japanese folklore, nature, and mythology

Beloved by collectors for its balance between size, usability, and artistry.

Taccia Miyabi Empress Urushi Series

Taccia may be a newer company, but its Empress models stand proudly among Japanese luxury giants.

Famous designs include Winter Breath, Kaiten, and seasonal lacquer themes.

• Oversized ebonite body

• Multiple urushi layers with raden inlay

• Nibs crafted and tuned by Sailor

• Limited editions typically capped at 288 pieces

Rich, shimmering, and elegant—these pens are striking art pieces.

Tohma Kumataka 55 Sport

Crafted by the independent artisan Tohma-san, these pens are treasured by collectors who value individuality and handcraft.

• Hand-shaped urushi-coated ebonite

• Large 18k emperor-style nib

• Double-structure barrel for heat insulation

• Yearly production extremely limited

Only a small number of people each year are able to purchase one.

Nakaya Urushi & Maki-e Series

Nakaya pens are the spiritual successors to Japan’s Platinum Pen artisans.

Every pen is hand-lacquered using traditional methods and finished with a quietly elegant aesthetic loved around the world.

• Warm, lightweight ebonite base

• Hand-polished urushi in deep colors

• Optional maki-e, raden, or chinkin designs

• 14k gold nib tuned by hand

Certain bespoke maki-e commissions can exceed $3,000–$4,000.

Platinum #3776 Century Limited Editions

A more attainable collectible for lovers of Japanese craftsmanship.

• Slip & Seal cap that prevents ink drying

• 14k gold nib

• Special editions featuring unique textures, finishes, and themes

• Some versions produced in small batches (1,000–2,000 units)

While not extremely expensive, they represent excellent value and are cherished by collectors.

Final Thoughts

Japan’s most expensive fountain pens represent an extraordinary blend of history, culture, and craftsmanship. From the breathtaking Namiki Emperor masterpieces—some priced well into six figures—to the artistic Sailor and Nakaya creations, these pens show how writing instruments can transcend their purpose and become true works of art.

If you're inspired by Japanese stationery but prefer more accessible options, explore our ZenPop stationery store for thoughtfully curated tools from Japan—beautiful, high-quality items without the museum-level price tag.

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This article was originally written by our freelance writer Umm-Kulthum Abdulkareem and updated by the ZenPop team in 2025.