A few days ago, Pelikan announced their next Maki-e release, the M1000 Maki-e Goldfish limited edition fountain pen. The theme may seem familiar because of the carp inspired Maki-e Koi, released in 2015. Pelikan explains that “the design showcases two traditional goldfish, one in vivid red on the cap and another in graceful white on the barrel.” It also includes flowing seaweed and gentle waves, elements that “add tranquility and movement, symbolizing abundance, elegance, and good fortune in Japanese culture.” Each pen is hand-painted, and only 123 pieces will be available worldwide, with an expected arrival for sometime in June.

Pelikan frequently uses their Souverän M1000 as the base for these art pieces. Like other Souveräns, it features a beak clip, two cap bands, a trim ring at the section, and two trim rings at the piston knob, all plated in 24C gold. Completing the design is a dark green ink view behind the section. Japanese artisans employ Togidashi-Maki-e and Taka-Maki-e techniques to create raised textures with a smooth finish. Togidashi involves layering Urushi that is repeatedly polished and upon which designs are drawn in colored lacquer. The Taka technique mixes charcoal and gold powders into the lacquer to raise the design above the surface, making it more tactile. This labor-intensive process explains the high price and limited availability of each edition.

The symbolism of the goldfish is said to be rooted in centuries of Chinese and Japanese heritage. Pelikan’s product literature states that “the goldfish (金魚) is revered as a symbol of prosperity and success. Historically bred in royal gardens and temples, these ornamental fish are often featured in traditional Maki-e art as emblems of grace and wealth.” The new design contains fewer environmental elements than the Koi, making the fish the main focus, rather than emphasizing their surroundings. This creates a clear distinction between the two pieces, allowing the M1000 Goldfish to stand out on its own.

TOP: M1000 Maki-e Koi (2015). BOTTOM: M1000 Maki-e Goldfish (2025)

The Maki-e Goldfish comes in a traditional paulownia wood gift box. Each pen has an 18C-750 nib in medium width and is individually numbered with the artist’s signature hand-painted on the barrel. Due to its limited availability and high price, most will only be able to admire the Goldfish from a distance. For reference, Appelboom is offering this one at a retail price of $4,757.14.

To me, the M1000 Maki-e Goldfish beautifully represents an aquatic theme. While the Koi heavily featured elements from the subject’s environment, the goldfish stand out as the center of attention. The design reminds me of the Kingfisher, painting the subject with a more true-to-life look. Unlike other models with animal motifs, this design conveys a sense of motion, not an easy feat for an inanimate object. As with many works of art, these pieces will be owned by a select few, leaving the rest of us only able to admire them. Feel free to share your thoughts on the M1000 Maki-e Goldfish below.

Ten Years of Maki-e M1000s, left to right: Spring & Autumn (2016), Dragonfly (2017), Peacock (2018), Five Lucky Bats (2019), Japanese Umbrella (2019), Kingfisher (2020), Seven Treasures (2021), Snow, Moon, and Flowers (2022), Phoenix (2022), Dragon (2023), Ivy and Komon (2024), and Goldfish (2025)