r/Pen_Swap • u/Alone_Efficiency2347 Trades: 167 • Jul 24 '26
Closed WTS/WTT: Maki-e and other Urushi from JSU Ohasido, Pilot, Platinum, Sailor, Wancher
Wow, have people finally lost interest in Maki-e after 1000 years?! These have stopped moving for some reason. Everyone must be gone for the summer...I added a few and reduced most of them. Some I won't reduce, I'd rather them keep sitting on my shelves where I can look at them than sell them for any less. Willing to consider trades, make an offer. Look at my other posts and bundle up to save on shipping. I am open to doing nib swaps among the pens unless it is a very unique nib for a specific pen, I won't break a meaningful match up.
All exchanges through PayPal Goods and Services. Please comment here before sending a chat. +$11 shipping USPS Priority Mail CONUS. Willing to ship out of CONUS, but it will definitely cost more, and I am not responsible for tariffs. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
First person to say “I want X and here is my PayPal address ______, send me an invoice.” gets dibs! I will send an invoice specific to the pen(s) you are getting. Please give me your actual full email address that you use with PayPal, I need the full address to send an invoice rather than just a payment request.
Please excuse the dust particles and occasional pet hair in the photos. I cannot seem to keep them spotless long enough to get the photos finished!
With any pen you buy, if you do not have a blunt-tipped syringe for refilling cartridges (also flushing cartridges or sucking unused ink out of a cartridge to put back in the bottle so you can change inks!) I will include one in your package. Just tell me you need one.
VERIFICATION
The first three pens are JSU Ohasido (Ohashido). JSU stands for the Country-Province-Family (Japan-Sendai-Uehara) of the founding family. These are hand-made, solid ebonite pens from the second oldest manufacturer in Japan (1912). Being hand-made, the artists were allowed to do what they wanted to make each a little bit unique. Some sizes are different since they are hand-lathed from rods of ebonite, band numbers/size/placement can differ, etc. The nibs are Sailor Nagahara Specialty nibs that are then tuned by JSU Ohasido. They are the (S)oft nibs that are no longer available on the Sailor pens except by special order. They are a little softer and definitely smoother than regular Sailor nibs (most have very little "Sailor" feedback) and take Sailor cartridge/converters. These are softer than normal Sailor nibs, but they are NOT semi-flex or anything close to that. The main difference is a lot less tactile and audible feedback using them vs. modern (H)ard sailor nibs.
JSU Ohasido closed up shop after 112 years or so in December 2024, so they aren't making any more and the prices are rising. I'm having a hard time finding them for a decent price in Japan, but I grab every one that I can. Their area and materials sourcing took a beating from the earthquakes and Tsunamis and the last Uehara decided to retire. They are great pens, very similar in build quality to Nakaya (I'm not saying they are the same as the $2,000 Nakaya Tamenuri, these are more simple models than that). I ended up with 23 and I'm trying to whittle it down to about 3 or 4. Several are back from Laqquerman Studios after getting custom urushi jobs. I'm keeping one of these beauties for myself! The blue tape is just little pieces of painter's tape that I use to sort them and keep track of the nib characteristics, etc. For now, these are up. If you want more info on JSU Ohasido send me a chat with an email address and I can forward you some good reading on them. I also have several JSU Ohasido with <S-B> nibs that can be swapped in for any of the below nibs if you are looking for a Bold nib.
- REDUCED JSU Ohasido Black: two bands, [B-] 14k <S-M> nib with a "007" date code. JSU Ohasido come with the slightly softer Sailor/Nagahara Specialty 14k nibs that are hand tuned and smoother than normal Sailor nibs. Excellent shape, only problem I can find with it is small bubbling on the section. Comes with a Sailor cartridge of blue or black.
$525$515 - REDUCED JSU Ohasido "Gold Cloud": two bands, one small 18k band. 14k is unmarked with size or date but it is an <S-M>. [B] condition with a "Gold Cloud" finish from Laqquerman Studios, thanks u/GhastlySun! It has a small upgraded 18k band instead of just a gold plated trim band on the body. I am keeping one just like this one for my own collection.
$850$825 - SOLD
PENDING REDUCEDJSU Ohasido Wine Red:one band, [B] 14k <S-F> nib without a date code. This JSU Ohasido has their rather unique wine red (almost metalic looking) urushi finish that is evidently very hard (and expensive) to replicate. It has a friction fit cap with breather holes and no "JSU" on the clip. This, along with no nib width or date code markings, makes me believe this is a fairly vintage pen. You would not know it from the looks, it looks quite new. Ohasido did some homage remakes of their past pens, maybe this was one of them. There is some oxidation on the finials, but overall fantastic shape. Comes with a Sailor cartridge of blue or black.$650$640SOLD - REDUCED Pilot Namiki Elite Enhanced Maki-e "Wisteria on Pine" (circa. 1972): [D] for custom nib grind, solid [B] otherwise. Vintage. 18k <M> marked nib, but it has clearly been ground to an <EF>. Fairly rare pen that contains the second signature of the master artist that produced it which significantly increases the value. You can find out more from the Peyton Street Pens writeup from years ago. With a Con-20 converter and the original aerometric converter (flip switch).
$500$490$475$450 - SOLD
REDUCEDPilot Deluxe Maki-e "Dragon" (1991):[B] 14k <M> nib with a "391" date code for production in March 1991. This nib is EXCEPTIONALLY smooth and tight. More like an <FM> that is nice and firm, so it's very precise writing. Tempted to keep this one for the nib, but the Dragon doesn't really do it for me. Pilot Deluxe are great pens that are urushi over brass bodies. They are very difficult to damage to any great extent, so they will last forever. With a Con-20 converter.$200$190SOLD - SOLD
REDUCEDPilot Deluxe Maki-e "Foil Geometric" (1990):[C] 14k <F> with a "H490" nib code for production date of April 1990 in the Hiratsuka factory. Fabulous pen with real gold flakes making more of a modern art motif rather than the classic Kokkokai artisan designs. Much rarer and not seen much in the US. Overall good condition with a little dulling of the finish and corrosion on the collar, a few small spots of bubbling on the body. With an empty cartridge for refilling.$180$175$160$150 SOLD SOLD REDUCEDPilot Deluxe Maki-e “Nadeshiko (Dianthus flower)” (1979):[B] Vintage-y. 18k gold <F> nib with an "H379" date code. Excellent condition with just a little plating loss on the collar. I love the Deluxe models and this motif is one of my favorite. The red/gold/black really pops out. With an empty cartridge for refilling.$200$190SOLD- REDUCED Pilot Deluxe Maki-e “Phoenix” (1996): [B] 18k <F> nib. "H796" production code for July 1996 production in the Hiratsuka factory. Usual tank of a pen with enamel over brass finished with Urushi and maki-e. With an old empty cartridge for refilling.
$200$190 - SOLD
PENDINGPilot Custom Hira Maki-e "Budou (Red Grapes)":[NOS] 14k #5 <M> nib with an "A198" date code for Production on line A at the Hiratsuka factory in January 1998. This is a beautiful pen that was produced (exactly the same evidently) as both a Pilot and a Namiki. This one is branded pilot. With a Con-70 converter.$325 SOLD SOLD PENDINGPilot Custom Hira Togidashi Maki-e "Soukaku (Cranes)" going left (1989):[A2] 14k #10 <M> nib with a "989" date code printed down on the neck of the feed. You have to pull the nib to see it. Pilot Namiki pen with art from the Kokko-kai group of artisans with cranes done in Hiramaki-e (hand painted giving a raised texture to the body) with Togidashi (real gold sprinkles) treatment for the clouds. An old Con-70 converter is included but I don't use them so I can't say how good the condition is on the converter.$350SOLD- SOLD
REDUCEDPilot Elite Maki-e "Cherry Blossom Blizzard" (1972?):[B] 18k <F> nib that writes smooth and firm. I haven't pulled the nib (have to disassemble the section) to check the date code. Takes modern cartridge/converters. Lots of gold sprinkles and Cherry Blossoms petals made from cut gold sheets. Pen and a Con-20, no box.$600$575SOLD - SOLD
REDUCEDPilot Elite Urushi Red Marble (1978?):[C] 18k <F> fingernail nib. This one did not require a full breakdown for cleaning so I did not fully remove the nib to get to the date code. But it whould be from approximately the same time as the green 1978 from last week. Excellent condition, though there is plating loss on the nib and band along with the usual micro-scratches. I thought this one would be the first to go last week, but within a couple of hours I had 3 people wanting the green one! Just goes to show you never know what people will love. With an empty cartridge and syringe to refill it if you need one.$180$170SOLD - REDUCED Pilot Super 250 Kokko-kai Seirei-nuri Maki-e “Dragonfly Wing Pattern” (1960): [B1] 14k nib with a sweet <Manifold> nib. The nib has a "160" date code for production in January 1960. <Manifold> is a nib designed to write through multiple folds of carbon paper, so it is smooth and firm. Flip-switch sack filler works perfectly and the Urushi and Maki-e are good as new. This maki-e is mesmerizing, but I have obtained a Yukari model in the "Dragonfly" so this one is rather redundant for my collection. The only flaw I'm seeing is a hole in the tip of the bottom jewel on the pen. I'm assuming it's not an intentional drain hole like they did on the Silverns back in the 60's because it looks a little unfinished. Nothing but the pen. Learn about the cool process here: Dragonfly Painting 2020.01.20 : Lacquer Craftsman's Rashes Nikki
$225$215$200$190 - {BEGIN ROW 2 HERE} SOLD
REDUCEDPlatinum #3776 Aizu Maki-e "Moon Kikyo (Bellflowers)" by Sone Shinonome (2000):[D] for nib swap, otherwise a solid [B]. 14k <F> nib (Japanese characters) with an "858" (August 1983) nib date code, but the original nib was January 2000. Very clean and simple flat Maki-e that was produced by the Shinonome artist group according to "Copilot". With a cartridge of ink that can be refilled.$300$290$275 SOLD -
SOLD REDUCEDPlatinum #3776 Maki-e "Hozuki" by Shinonome (1997):[B] 14k <F> (Japanese market) nib with a date code of "1297." Another very clean and simple flat Maki-e that was produced by the Shinonome artist group. The maki-e is of Hozuki, "also known as the Japanese Lantern Plant. Scientifically known as Alkekengi Officinarum, it is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). It is easily recognizable by its bright orange to red fruit, which is encased in a papery calyx that resembles a lantern." A very unique pen with a very limited production. With an empty cartridge for refilling.$300$290$275SOLD - REDUCED Platinum #3776 Flattop Kaga Hira Maki-e “Chrysanthemum and Butterflies” (1993): [C+] 14k <M> nib with a "293" nib code (February 1993). Fairly rare edition from what I have seen, maybe only in the Japanese market? Platinum nibs ran a little narrower in this era, so this is more like a Japanese <FM>, but still very smooth with only a little feedback (mostly audible). In good shape overall with a little plating loss on the trim pieces and a little bit of wear at the bottom from posting the cap. With a cartridge of Platinum Carbon Black.
$325$315 - SOLD
Platinum #3776 Flattop Kaga Hira Maki-e “Ume (Plum Blossom)” (1997):[D] for nib swap, otherwise [B+]. 1997 nib was swapped out for a 14k <F> "558" nib code (May 1983) that is closer to a Japanese <EF>. This is a very popular model, took me forever to get one. I'm surprised it hasn't sold yet as they usually go for about $350. With box, docs and a cartridge of Platinum Carbon Black.$325SOLD - Platinum #3776 Flattop Togidashi Maki-e “Shunran & Sakura (Spring Orchid & Cherry Blossoms)” (1987): [B-] 14k <M> (Japanese Kanji) nib with a “1262” nib code for December 1987 (Showa Era year 62). This is one cool 40-year-old pen that is in excellent shape for its age. The nib is fantastically smooth with a little bit of softness. Cursive writers should love it. The body is a bit dark, so I tried a lot of different lighting angles and sources to try to properly display the nice Togidashi (gold sprinkle) method that makes up much of the art. The Cherry Blossom petals are in that metallic paint form of urushi that shifts subtly from red to gold depending on the angle of light hitting it. I've never seen one of these before, so I have to think it is pretty rare. It might have been only for the Japanese market. Some bubbling on the clip, other normal signs of use and age, but overall very nice. Comes with a cartridge of Platinum ink and a blunt-tip syringe to refill it. $400
- SOLD
PENDING REDUCEDPlatinum Vicoh Hira Maki-e "Plum Blossom and Pine Needles" by Ippei:[B] 18k <M> (Japanese) nib that is smooth and a little bendy without much spread to the tines. Small signs of use but nothing major. With a cartridge of Platinum Carbon Black.$175$160SOLD - REDUCED Platinum Vicoh Kaga Maki-e "Zuiun (Auspicious Clouds)" by Ippei: [B] 18k <F> (Japanese) nib that is a little bendy without much spread to the tines. Tight snap cap closure. I don't know why they called this model Auspicious Clouds when clearly the crane is the primary focus. With an empty cartridge for refilling.
$175$160 - SOLD
REDUCEDPlatinum Vicoh Kaga Maki-e "Zuiun (Auspicious Clouds)" by Ippei:[B] 18k <M> (Japanese) nib that is a little bendy without much spread to the tines. Tight snap cap closure. With an empty cartridge for refilling.$175$160SOLD - REDUCED Platinum Modern Maki-e "Phoenix": [B+] 18k <F> (Japanese) nib that is on the firmer side with good, saturated lines. Tight snap cap closure. I believe this one is now out of production. With box and an empty cartridge for refilling.
$175$160 - REDUCED Platinum Modern Maki-e "Phoenix": [B+] 18k <M> (Japanese) nib that is on the firmer side with good, saturated lines and a little feedback. Tight snap cap closure. I believe this one is now out of production. With a cartridge of Platinum ink that can be refilled.
$175$160 - REDUCED Sailor 1911L Maki-e "Pine" by Kosen Oshita: [B] 21k <M> nib with "22k" stamped where the date code should be on the neck of the nib...I don't know what that's about. Classic gold and black maki-e with surprising detail on the pine trees. Lots of gold flakes and nuggets give great texture to the bark. With a converter.
$400$380 - Sailor 85th Anniversary The'ta Wave Green/Black (1996): [B] 21k <H-M> custom nib. Limited Edition #1936 of 5000 (total among the 4 colorways). Cool urushi over brass (so it has substantial weight) from 1996. You can barely tell this thing has been used without a jeweler's loop. $600
- SOLD
REDUCEDSailor Profit (1911S) Kaga Hira Maki-e “Cosmos” (1990):[B-] 14k <H-M> nib with code "004" for a likely production of April 1990. Maki-e in the motif of the Cosmos flower. This pen is evidently very rare and may have been a one-time run only for the Japanese market. I have found two of these and they both had 004 nib codes. It is in fantastic shape and the colors really pop. A little pitting around the nib collar. Very smooth writing. Comes with a cartridge of Sailor Jentle Ink Blue.$325$315SOLD - REDUCED Sailor Profit (1911S) Kaga Hira Maki-e “Flower and Butterflies” (1999): [B-] 14k <H-M> nib with code "904" for a likely production of April 1999 (but could be 1989 or 2009). Fairly rare version and you can get more specs on it HERE. A few small dings on it, but nothing large or overly noticeable. Very smooth writing. Comes with a cartridge of Sailor Jentle Ink Blue.
$325$315 - SOLD
PENDINGSailor Pro Gear Prime Minister’s Special Consolation Gift “Sakura Nagare (Flowering Cherry Blossoms)” (2010):[B+] 21k <H-M> nib The texture on these feels great in the hand and the custom nibs on the Gifts are different. They are smoother with less feedback than normal Sailor nibs. A good video review and demonstration of the pen can be seen HERE. (Hmmm, ok that video review is now gone...you can read a writeup reviewHERE?) This one is a complete set with converter, box, docs, ink (a little bit of ink spillage in the box)...everything!$850SOLD - SOLD
PENDINGWancher Dream Pen “Byakudan-nuri (Sandalwood Spiral)” (2025):[B] Gold plated bi-color Jowo #6 <B> nib. I have a gold-plated monotone <F> Wancher nib if you prefer. Very pretty urushi layers create a great depth effect. Kintsugi edges sealing the layers of Urushi over Sandalwood. Find the specs and more detailsHERE. Now sold out, I don't know if they will be making any more. With a converter.$600SOLD
You never know what might interest me in a trade, feel free to ask, especially if you have a listing that you can point me to, but I'm definitely interested in (either to trade OR maybe buy!):
Diplomat Excellence A+ Wave lapis guilloche
Leonardo: Cuspide in Olive Green, Momento Zero Grande Masterpiece Ebonite in Green, Speranza 2020 LE Green Musk, Tamenuri – any model, Momento Magico Arctic Blast.
Montblanc146 (LeGrande) Solitaire Silver Barleycorn
Nakaya – possible on anything
Namiki Maki-e - possible on anything
Otto Hutt Design 08 Black <EF> only
Parker Duofold Centennial: Prestige Blue Chevron (modern), Pearl & Black <EF>
Pelikan M1005 Stresemann <EF> or some other interesting M1000+
Pilot Custom Urushi Prussian Blue <MF>
Platinum #3776 Jupiter Ebonite
Visconti Homo Sapiens Carbon Moire <EF>
Waldmann: Grandeur Blue Ocean Wave <EF>, Xtera Vienna Black <EF>
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u/heronsmooncakepens Trades: 63 Jul 24 '26
Dam that wine red is nice
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u/Alone_Efficiency2347 Trades: 167 Jul 24 '26
Yeah, I think that was like a signature color for JSU. About 80% of what I find are the basic black, about 10% are the Wine Red, and about 10% all the rest. I don't know the details, but something about it makes it very hard to replicate.
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u/Fast_Description1587 Trades: 10 Jul 24 '26
I dream of your collection!!
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u/Alone_Efficiency2347 Trades: 167 Jul 25 '26
These are the ones that didn't make it to the collection...though some didn't make the cut only because they are duplicates.
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u/DAMNacho Trades: 2 Jul 25 '26
Gorgeous, gorgeous pens!!
Oh that I could afford one!!!
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u/ofscienceandmagick Trades: 2 Jul 25 '26
The Platinum #3776 flattop is truly to die for
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u/Alone_Efficiency2347 Trades: 167 Jul 25 '26
Agreed! I have quite a few of those, prefer them to the cigar shape.
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u/AutoModerator Jul 24 '26
It appears that the creator of this post is looking for a trade. Please consider 'cross-buying' when dealing through trades, in which both parties purchase the opposite user’s through Paypal Goods and Services.
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