Dunhill Namiki ~ An Interesting Story Of How Singapore Played A Role In History
Dunhill Namiki And Singapore
Dunhill Namiki was introduced to the world because of the need to bring Japanese made Namiki fountain pens to the international market when the sales agreement was signed between Alfred Dunhill and Namiki Pen Manufacture Japan in 1920s. The agreement to sell Namiki Pens under the name Dunhill Namiki was the biggest breakthrough for Namiki in its brand history.
How did Singapore come into play in the pivotal role as the middleman for the East & West culture? An interesting box containing an antique Dunhill Namiki pen reveals how important was Singapore being instrumental in bringing this wonderful love story together. Of course, it is also its colonial past that made Singapore an obvious choice to sell any Dunhill Namiki.
The first Namiki Shop in Shop was first set up in Elephant & Coral in 1998 to feature the full image of Namiki pens to the world.
In Singapore, a lot of effort was spent to promote Namiki to the world of collectors with visit by Kyusai Yoshida, then the Chief Urushi artist of Namiki, to demonstrate the fine art of Japanese Lacquer maki-e at the Raffles Hotel Singapore.
As Namiki grew into the most recognized brand of fine writing instrument in the world, Elephant & Coral continued in its effort to support the brand in its development as the leader of authorized Namiki dealership.
In 2005, Pilot-Namiki made a special Limited edition of 50 black and 50 red urushi fountain pen collection, Seki Shun, to commemorate the years of collaboration. This is probably the one and only limited edition made for foreign company, outside of Japan, since 1918.
Dunhill Namiki's presence way back in the history of Singapore put the island state in a very unique position as the pivot of its brand development.