Hira maki-e versus screened maki-e

[fcarbon]

I thought it might be interesting to start a thread on differentiating (in a practical way) between Hira maki-e and "screened" maki-e; something I have no experience with. I only have two maki-e pens and would like to find out if any of them actually has any Hira maki-e as opposed to being silk screen entirely. I am aware the latter is probably the case since both pens were "budget" pens in their day. Here are some close-up shots (apologies for the dark shadows). I don't find it easy to single out discerning elements, any comments (or further examples) would be very much appreciated!

- Platinum #3776 Tsubaki (Camellia), Lambrou's Japan book (p. 304) ca. 1982

- Pilot FK Balanced Ume (plum) (FK-3MP-UM); supposedly Kokkokai artists (?), early 1990s (?)

The Platinum looks like ebonite. The Pilot is resin I believe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[stan]

The catalogue notes the Platinum model to be makie as opposed to some other models termed aizu-makie and kaga-makie. Aizu- and Kaga-makie refer to techniques of makie in those prefectures. 

 

Look closely at the photo in FPOJ and you will see the decoration is different. So different to question whether it was screened. I have many 3776 models but not yours. Darn! I would bet it was different too. That noted, it would be a safe bet it was either partly or not screened. Platinum has a history of making pens with some screened artwork and some hand artwork. BTW, you should search for aizu-makie and kaga-makie on the net. 

 

The Pilot looks screened. If you look closely you can almost discern what colors came first, second, and third. 

 

Both are different from traditional hiramakie.

[fcarbon]

Thank you stan for the enlightening comments!

I was wondering if the "ribbed" (almost serrated) edge of the Pilot's plum flowers is also an indication of the screen somehow? (A brush stroke would be smooth I guess.)

The images I find online of the Pilot are also a bit different, but I suppose the different "screens" (for the different colors?) are slightly off relative to each other (if that makes sense ...) . It seems to me that the screening technique is also a mostly "manual" craft (as opposed to an assembly type of work)? 

[stan]

Best would be to compare similar pens. Find a decent photographs of your pen and care it. Some of the artwork on some of the Platinum pens is done by hand. Top line models are done entirely by hand.

 

Different screens for different colors. I've not seen any photographs of the screening process. I understand Pilot pen artwork is entirely mechanical. Something fascinating about artwork on some of Platinum pens is it seems to have a greater depth and is more tactile than similar models by Pilot.

 

The object of screening is to make a more attractive pen at a more economical price. The more screens, more handwork, more anything and the price goes up.

[fcarbon]

On 2/23/2021 at 1:48 PM, stan said:

Different screens for different colors. I've not seen any photographs of the screening process. I understand Pilot pen artwork is entirely mechanical.

Wouldn’t it be fascinating to detach a special FPN spy to secretly capture some pictures, perhaps a short video, of what these different screening processes might actually look like. 

I’m trying to imagine whether it is an automated assembly line type of process or artisans applying screen prints to individual pens. You seem to believe it is the former or rather sliding on the scale from automated to more manual work as the price increases.

 

 

[fcarbon]

On 2/22/2021 at 2:56 AM, stan said:

The catalogue notes the Platinum model to be makie as opposed to some other models termed aizu-makie and kaga-makie.

Hello Stan,

would you have a scan or link of the page of the catalogue you are mentioning (where the Platinum #3776 Tsubaki is mentioned)?

Thank you!

[stan]

On 3/21/2021 at 3:05 AM, fcarbon said:

Hello Stan,

would you have a scan or link of the page of the catalogue you are mentioning (where the Platinum #3776 Tsubaki is mentioned)?

Thank you!

Attached is a page from the 1980-1990s catalogue. Second model down is the tsubaki. It is noted as a kagamakie. Of interest to note is Platinum assigns model number and names to each pen. They do not appear to be sequential, do represent colors or other descriptors, and give an idea of how many models might exist.

 

My apologies for the delay. Slowly working on 3776 penography.

 

 

[fcarbon]

Thank you very much!!

Perhaps mine isn't tsubaki after all ... Unless there were some different tsubaki designs at that time. FPOJ does call it tsubaki and dates it ca. 1982.

 

(Perhaps I should ask a moderator to change the title of this thread to "traditional maki-e versus screened maki-e" since as I now understand, screened maki-e could be hiramaki-e ...?)

[stan]

2 hours ago, fcarbon said:

Thank you very much!!

Perhaps mine isn't tsubaki after all ... Unless there were some different tsubaki designs at that time. FPOJ does call it tsubaki and dates it ca. 1982.

 

(Perhaps I should ask a moderator to change the title of this thread to "traditional maki-e versus screened maki-e" since as I now understand, screened maki-e could be hiramaki-e ...?)

I am the moderator. Let it as is.

There are errors in FPOJ. Tsubaki can also be applied to different designs. Tsubaki is camellia.