SKU: 25990882423

Stipula East Meets West Limited Edition Maki-e Snake Ballpoint Pen #10/10

Sale price$698.85 Regular price$776.50
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $194.12 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Aug 7 - Aug 12

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

Stipula East Meets West Limited Edition Maki-e Snake Ballpoint Pen #10/10The Stipula East Meets West Limited Edition Maki e Snake Ballpoint Pen represents a rare and ambitious collaboration between two traditions that have shaped the history of fine craftsmanship for centuries. Built upon Stipula's iconic Etruria platform and adorned with hand executed artwork by Japanese maki e artist Nishihara, this extraordinary writing instrument serves as a meeting point between Italian penmaking and traditional Japanese lacquer

The Stipula East Meets West Limited Edition Maki-e Snake Ballpoint Pen represents a rare and ambitious collaboration between two traditions that have shaped the history of fine craftsmanship for centuries. Built upon Stipula's iconic Etruria platform and adorned with hand-executed artwork by Japanese maki-e artist Nishihara, this extraordinary writing instrument serves as a meeting point between Italian penmaking and traditional Japanese lacquer artistry. Produced as an individually numbered limited edition, this example is numbered 10/10, making it the final piece within the documented production run.

While many limited editions borrow visual inspiration from foreign artistic traditions, the East Meets West collection pursued something more meaningful. Rather than simply referencing Japanese aesthetics, Stipula partnered with a Japanese artist and incorporated authentic urushi and maki-e techniques into the creation of the pen itself. The result is a writing instrument that occupies a unique place within modern pen collecting, appealing equally to enthusiasts of Italian luxury pens and collectors of Japanese decorative arts.

Craftsmanship & Design

The foundation of the pen is a richly polished urushi lacquer surface whose depth and warmth immediately distinguish it from conventional resin finishes. For centuries, urushi has been regarded as one of Japan's most revered artistic materials, prized for its ability to create extraordinary visual depth while developing character through age and handling. The deep black lacquer provides a dramatic backdrop for the artwork, allowing the decorative elements to emerge with remarkable contrast and clarity.

Wrapped around the barrel is Nishihara's interpretation of the serpent, rendered through traditional maki-e techniques. Rather than appearing as a static illustration, the snake coils dynamically around the pen's surface, creating a sense of movement that guides the eye along the contours of the Etruria form. Individual scales are built through carefully layered metallic powders, producing texture, dimensionality, and subtle shifts in reflection that reveal themselves gradually under changing light.

Close examination reveals details that are easily overlooked at first glance. The artwork possesses a depth and complexity characteristic of genuine hand-executed maki-e rather than modern decorative reproduction. Metallic powders appear suspended within the lacquer itself, creating a visual effect that changes continuously depending upon viewing angle and illumination. This interaction between light, lacquer, and precious metal is one of the defining characteristics of traditional Japanese decorative arts and remains extraordinarily difficult to replicate through contemporary manufacturing methods.

The serpent itself carries a long history within East Asian artistic and cultural traditions. Throughout Japanese folklore and decorative art, snakes have been associated with wisdom, renewal, protection, and transformation. Their cyclical shedding of skin made them enduring symbols of rebirth and continual evolution, themes that resonate naturally with an object dedicated to recording ideas, experiences, and personal expression.

The East Meets West Collection

The significance of this pen extends well beyond its decorative motif. The East Meets West collection occupies a distinctive position within Stipula's history because it represented a genuine artistic partnership rather than a simple themed release. The collection explored how traditional Japanese decorative techniques could be integrated into the framework of an established Italian luxury writing instrument without compromising the identity of either tradition.

The Etruria model proved an ideal foundation for this exploration. Named after the ancient Etruscan civilization of central Italy, the Etruria has long been regarded as one of Stipula's most recognizable designs. Its flowing profile, generous proportions, and balanced silhouette provide an exceptional canvas for decorative work while remaining comfortable and functional as a daily writing instrument.

By combining the Etruria platform with authentic urushi and maki-e artistry, the East Meets West collection achieved something that remains uncommon even today. The pens are neither purely Italian nor purely Japanese in character. Instead, they exist within a fascinating space between the two traditions, demonstrating how craftsmanship can transcend geography while preserving cultural authenticity.

Collector Significance

For experienced collectors, the appeal of the East Meets West Snake extends beyond its visual beauty. The collection represents an important moment in the evolution of modern luxury penmaking, arriving before international artisan collaborations became commonplace within the industry. It reflects a period when manufacturers increasingly recognized that writing instruments could serve as legitimate artistic canvases rather than merely functional objects.

This particular example carries additional significance as number 10/10. Final-number examples often attract special attention among collectors due to their position within a production run and their connection to the completion of the edition. Combined with the inherently individual nature of hand-applied maki-e artwork, the pen occupies a uniquely desirable position within an already rare release.

Collectors of Japanese lacquer art appreciate the traditional techniques and artistic execution. Stipula enthusiasts value its place within one of the brand's most distinctive projects. Collectors of rare writing instruments recognize the importance of a documented ultra-low-production collaboration between Italian manufacturing and Japanese decorative arts. Few modern ballpoint pens successfully bridge all three collecting categories with such authenticity.

Writing Experience

Despite its artistic significance, the East Meets West Snake remains a practical writing instrument intended to be used and enjoyed. The ballpoint format provides reliability, convenience, and ease of maintenance, allowing the focus to remain on the experience of ownership and the appreciation of the artwork itself. The substantial Etruria construction creates a reassuring presence in hand while maintaining comfortable balance during extended writing sessions.

The result is a writing instrument that functions equally well as a collector's piece and a daily companion. Like the finest decorative writing instruments, it succeeds because the artistry enhances the experience of use rather than replacing it.

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: Stipula
  • Condition: Mint preowned condition - without box
  • Collection: East Meets West
  • Model Base: Etruria
  • Product Type: Ballpoint Pen
  • Artwork Theme: Snake
  • Artist: Nishihara
  • Decorative Techniques: Urushi Lacquer and Traditional Maki-e
  • Edition Number: 10/10
  • Hand-Finished Artwork
  • Italian and Japanese Collaborative Production
Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 25990882423

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.2 ★★★★★
Based on 6 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
R
Verified Purchase
Richelle
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Stylish and functional
Color: Brown Pu 239
I love this laptop backpack for work. I get so many compliments on it. It's stylish and functional. Fits my laptop and any paperwork I need to travel. The front pocket easily holds my charger and mouse. Good quality, very little wear after using daily for over a year now!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2025
J
Verified Purchase
Jailene Urena
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
Love this bra!!!
Color: Light Beige, Size: 42D
This bra is amazing. The fit is perfect and it works really well as a minimizer. It doesn’t poke, stab, or leave any indentations or marks around my breasts or back, which is usually a problem for me with underwire bras. The wire also doesn’t dig into my skin or stomach at all. It’s incredibly comfortable and provides great support and lift. My breasts feel secure and well-supported all day. I highly recommend this bra!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2026
A
Verified Purchase
Anon
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
34 DD approved
Color: Dark Beige, Size: 34DD
This is the first wired bra I’ve worn in years and also generally just my new favorite bra. I have breast hypertrophy and after 2 breast reductions and years of gravity, they’ll find a way to spill out of any cup and slip under any wire. The second I put this bra on I immediately felt weight off my back. The wires feel actually supportive instead of restrictive and my chest settled right into the cups smoothly and comfortably. As opposed to relying on padding (which makes me so sweaty), the construction and fabric do all the heavy lifting which makes me feel supported while still staying cool
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2026
L
Verified Purchase
lydmonster
Houston, US
★★★★★ 4
SO very comfortable and supportive, but can't get the four hooks hooked in the back.
Color: Light Beige, Size: 44DD
I measured myself as described in listing and ordered 44dd based on that. The bra fits just right. It is super smooth and soft fabric and VERY comfortable! I especially like that it holds in the side boobs and the underwire does not poke out. I don't think I have ever had a bra before that actually stayed up on the sides! Maybe I have been wearing the wrong size?? I was skeptical and bought because of the free returns, but I am keep this one and one other style which is just as comfortable. THE ONLY THING WRONG AND THEREFORE 4 STARS is that I cannot hook the backs (4 hooks). The other one I bought was doable but with effort, this on I absolutely could not do and had to hook in the front and slide around. I don't know if there a fix for this but I will keep them because they are so dang comfy and supportive. And yes, they do minimize which is also wonderful for me!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2025
K
Verified Purchase
Katie
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
Fits like a $100 bra
Color: Black, Size: 36H
I don’t know why HSIA bras are so comfortable. The underwire does not dig in. This is the third one I’ve purchased. This bra has a pretty lace pattern. I love it. Highly recommend.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2026

recommand products