Platinum Kamakura Pens “General Grant” Maki-e Fountain Pen

Platinum Kamakura Pens “General Grant” Maki-e Fountain PenMy failures have been errors of judgment, not strokes from my pen. U. S. Grant The story of how a specific maki e design became associated with Ulysses S. Grant is a fascinating tale of diplomacy and cultural exchange. In 1877, while serving as president, Grant had recognized Japan as a crucial ally. Two years later, in 1879, as Japan grappled with tensions with Russia and China, the nation saw the former U. S. president as an ideal ambassador and

“My failures have been errors of judgment, not strokes from my pen.” -U.S. Grant


The story of how a specific maki-e design became associated with Ulysses S. Grant is a fascinating tale of diplomacy and cultural exchange. In 1877, while serving as president, Grant had recognized Japan as a crucial ally. Two years later, in 1879, as Japan grappled with tensions with Russia and China, the nation saw the former U.S. president as an ideal ambassador and extended an invitation for him, his wife Julia, and his son to visit.

Their arrival in Yokohama on July 3rd was met with an overwhelming reception. Cheering crowds and a sea of Japanese and American flags welcomed the Grants, marking the first time such an important U.S. dignitary had ever visited Japan. Months of preparation culminated in a band playing and repeating "Hail Columbia," the only Western song they had time to master. The Grants were escorted to Tokyo and housed in the Enryokan, a building on the emperor's palace grounds refurbished for Western guests.

The most significant event was Grant’s meeting with Emperor Meiji, a moment of profound cultural tension. The Emperor, a figure who had never before touched a commoner or a Westerner, shocked both parties by shaking hands with Grant. This successful meeting established a strong rapport, and the Grants were treated with the utmost respect. The maki-e design’s origin came from a dinner where Mrs. Grant complimented the palace's lacquerware, and messengers delivered a duplicate set the very next day. At their final meeting, Emperor Meiji presented President Grant with a maki-e cigar box. Its design—a dark, royal blue with gold chrysanthemums and ivy—was the same pattern found on the emperor's own military uniform, a powerful symbol signifying a personal gift from the emperor himself. This cigar box, a historical relic of this pivotal meeting, is now part of the Smithsonian collection.