Urushi and Maki-e recommendations

[Turquoise]

I’ve become interested in urushi as a craft, and that has led me to the idea of buying an urushi pen. Which has also led to an interest in maki-e since the two often go hand in hand.

As a Japanese craft, it makes sense that most contemporary urushi/maki-e pens are made in Japan, though I know other artisans in other parts of the world have begun learning and creating their own pens.

In terms of urushi, I am particularly attracted to the midori tamenuri finish. I also really enjoy raden and would love to find a fountain pen that employed rankaku (eggshell) as part of the finish.

For those who know more about this craft, which brands/models would you recommend as the most reliably consistent to the art form? Which might you avoid?

And, would you recommend going for an entry level pen or saving up for a more expensive one, given that it’s likely when you get one you’ll want more? ;-)

Thanks!