Thanks to an anonymous source out of Japan, we may just have our first look at the rumored but as yet unannounced Pelikan M1000 Raden Sunrise. A Raden model was anticipated for 2016 based on rumors from earlier this year. The ad is taken from a Japanese magazine and the text labels the pen as “Akatsuki” which translates as ‘dawn’ a term that could also be construed as ‘sunrise.’ The Raden series was launched by the Kyokko (Sunlight) & Gekko (Moonlight) set in 2005, M800 sized pens employing the technique of inlaid Mother-of-Pearl. Those two fountain pens were later followed up by the Moonlight (2011), Sunlight (2013), and Starlight (2014) all of which were subsequently based off of the M1000 chassis. The Sunrise would be the 4th edition in the M1000 Raden line. Pelikan’s Raden Collection is absolutely stunning though often ultra limited due to the technique employed in creating these pens. The end result is a very small run of writing instruments which are frequently priced beyond the reach of the average collector/enthusiast. Raden is a traditional Japanese decorative craft used for lacquer ware and woodwork. Abalone is ground to a fine thickness with a stone and then embedded or glued on laquer-coated surfaces. The inlay glitters in wonderful colors when struck by light. Even though most of us will never own one, it is always exciting to see such beautiful artistry.

This release is again built off of the M1000 platform. It has the usual furniture of that line including the beak clip, double trim rings at the piston knob, double cap bands, and a single trim ring at the section. The cap top is 24C gold-plated and depicts the single chick logo. The nib is two-tone 18C-750 gold and the pens will be equipped with medium nibs. The ad quotes the dimensions at 148mm long, 14mm in diameter, and weighing 34 grams. A price of ¥216,000 ($1898) is mentioned in the ad but it is unclear if this is MSRP or street pricing. The run will be limited to just 333 pieces and each pen in the series will be individually numbered. The Raden Sunrise is anticipated for a Spring of 2016 release. If Pelikan keeps the conventions of past releases, each fountain pen will be encased in a traditional Japanese gift box made of Paulownia wood.

The above ad was provided to me and I have no way of independently verifying its authenticity. The information certainly seems legitimate though and would align with expectations fostered by earlier rumors. I expect that this will indeed be the Raden Sunrise but we will have to wait for confirmation from Pelikan before we can say for sure. Personally, I hope that this is the next Raden release because I think it is absolutely stunning, perhaps more so than any of the prior models.