Nino Marino Signature Parthenope Maki-e The Song of Two Seas Fountain Pen
An exclusive fountain pen that celebrates the meeting of two ancient traditions: the Japanese mastery of the maki-e technique and the beating heart of Naples, the city of the siren. Where the waves of the Mediterranean meet the timeless art of Japan, a unique masterpiece is born.
“I have always loved Japan and its culture; as a young karateka, I was a fervent follower of Zen philosophy.”
Parthenope – The Art of a Legend
Introducing “Parthenope,” a creation by Nino Marino—an extraordinary work celebrating the 50th anniversary of his career.
In the world of fine handcrafted writing instruments, half a century has been devoted with passion to the mastery and beauty of the act of writing.
This anniversary pays tribute to his tireless creativity, ingenuity, and a vision capable of meeting the expectations of fountain pen enthusiasts—a vision that has helped make the Delta brand known and appreciated worldwide. A journey marked by experience and absolute dedication, where the art of writing has become the expression of life, identity, and timeless beauty.
The “Parthenope Maki-e” model celebrates the legend of the siren of Naples—a symbol of beauty, mystery, and harmony—through the refined Japanese technique of maki-e.
Each pen is decorated by hand by master artisans who draw the silhouette of Parthenope on the ebonite body, adorning it with gold and silver powders that capture her light and immortal grace.
The pen’s body is crafted from natural ebonite, a noble material that is warm to the touch, featuring a refined depiction of Parthenope, the founding siren of Naples. Hand-painted in Japan by master artisans using the ancient art of maki-e, the work combines gold and silver powders with urushi lacquer, giving rise to a unique piece vibrant with light and mythology.
This creation is enhanced by precious details in rare celluloid, in a pearlescent Mediterranean blue, paying tribute to the sea that bathes the city and the elegance of Italian tradition.
Every detail bears witness to the meeting between East and West, between legend and craftsmanship, between ink and the sea.
A piece intended for true connoisseurs: the Parthenope Maki-e is not merely a writing instrument, but a tribute to the beauty born from the meeting of two cultures, two seas, and a timeless art.
Technical Details
The “maki-e” technique is an ancient and refined Japanese lacquer decoration process used to adorn precious objects and other urushi lacquer creations.
The term “maki-e” literally means “scattered images” or “sprinkled images”; it refers to the use of metallic powders (usually gold or silver) that are “scattered” or applied to a design drawn in fresh lacquer.
Process:
Design: A design is drawn on the object using fresh urushi lacquer.
Application of the powder: While the lacquer is still sticky, gold, silver, or another metal powder is delicately applied using a very fine brush or a specific tool (called a “makizutsu”).
Finishing: Once dry, the object is carefully sanded and polished to reveal the brilliance of the design.
Body: Handcrafted ebonite
Details: Navy blue celluloid
Decoration: Japanese maki-e technique, using gold and silver powders
Dimensions and Weight
Total length (closed): 140 mm
Total length (cap attached to the back): 158 mm
Cap length: 61.50 mm
Body length (nib included): 124.60 mm
Maximum diameter: 17.8 mm
Minimum diameter: 14.2 mm
Total weight: 34 grams