With the Souverän M1000 Raden Stardust “Hoshikuzu”, Pelikan continues its celebrated Raden series. Yet despite its lavish craftsmanship, the Stardust may well be the most restrained Raden edition to date – and that quiet confidence suits it beautifully.
Since its debut, the Raden line has produced an impressive succession of editions: it began with the Moonlight in 2011, followed by the Sunlight (2013), Starlight (2014), Sunrise (2016), the widely praised Green Ray (2020), White Ray (2021), and Black Infinity (2024). Released in April 2026, the Pelikan M1000 Raden Stardust became the eighth instalment in the series.
Packaging and First Impressions
The traditional Japanese craftsmanship begins before the pen is even revealed. Nestled inside no fewer than four layers of packaging, the Stardust rests in a paulownia wood box – a material long associated in Japan with the storage and gifting of precious objects.
At first glance, it becomes immediately clear what sets the Stardust apart within the Raden family: this is the most understated model of the collection. In low light, the deep black Urushi lacquer alternates with subtle vertical bands, interrupted only occasionally by a faint shimmer. It is only under stronger light that the Raden surface truly awakens, revealing flashes of violet, blue, green, and silver. That restraint is precisely what makes the Stardust so compelling. It never feels pompous or overly embellished. Instead, it comes across as elegant, refined, and quietly mesmerising.
At around 34 grams, the M1000 also carries a reassuring presence in hand. Typical of the M1000 series, it feels substantial without becoming cumbersome – the sort of weight that instantly signals quality.
Appearance, Craftsmanship, and Details
The surface of the Pelikan M1000 Raden Stardust is created through a multi-stage traditional handcrafting process. First, the barrel and cap are coated in deep black Japanese Urushi lacquer. Three different finely crushed abalone shells are then carefully applied vertically along the pen using a funzutsu, a traditional powder tube. Finally, multiple layers of clear lacquer are added and individually polished, giving the M1000 Raden its unmistakable depth and glow.
The work is carried out by Yamazaki Mushu and the Hoshu-kai collective, a group of Kaga Maki-e masters based in Yamanaka Onsen in Japan’s Ishikawa prefecture. Each of the 400 fountain pens is individually signed by the artist, while both the signature near the piston knob and the edition number on the cap are applied using Maki-e techniques. It is here, more than anywhere else, that the remarkable level of handwork becomes apparent. Tiny imperfections in the signature and numbering are not flaws, but reminders that each pen has passed through human hands, giving every single piece its own personality. As for the general fit and finish, it is exactly what one would expect from Pelikan: impeccable.
The clip and trim rings are finished in 24-carat gold plating. The iconic pelican-beak clip and the double cap bands unmistakably anchor the Stardust within the Souverän family.
Nib and Filling System
Pelikan’s Raden editions are traditionally fitted with an 18-carat gold medium nib. Those who prefer a different nib size can request one directly from Pelikan. Our example writes slightly broader than a typical medium which is to be expected from an M1000.
The nib itself is delightfully soft and springy. This is not flex in the vintage sense, yet there is a noticeable responsiveness that allows for a tasteful amount of line variation by modern fountain pen standards. Whether used for long writing sessions, quick notes, or signatures, the Stardust feels wonderfully alive on the page. Ink flow is lavishly generous, making it a superb companion for shading and sheen-heavy inks.
Like all M1000 models, the Stardust is a piston filler with an enormous ink capacity – certainly a welcome quality given the nib’s enthusiastic appetite for ink. We paired ours with Pilot Iroshizuku tsuyu-kusa. After all, a special pen deserves a special ink.
Price and Availability
The Pelikan Souverän M1000 Raden Stardust is limited to 400 pieces worldwide and retails for approximately €3,200. In doing so, it continues the trend of steadily rising prices within the Raden series. Considering the increasing amount of labour, materials, and artistry involved – alongside the consistently strong demand for Pelikan’s Raden editions – the pricing feels understandable, if not entirely painless.
Collectors interested in securing a Stardust would be wise not to wait too long. Pelikan Raden editions in runs this small tend to disappear quickly, and the secondary market has reflected that reality time and time again.
Final Thoughts on the Pelikan M1000 Raden Stardust
The Pelikan M1000 Raden Stardust continues one of the most exclusive writing instrument series in the modern fountain pen world. The fact that it is the most restrained member of the Raden line does not make it any less captivating. Quite the opposite, in fact. In an age where so many luxury objects seem desperate to command attention, the Stardust arrives almost in a whisper. Yet those willing to slow down, admire it in the light, and spend time with it are rewarded with something extraordinary. Not fireworks, perhaps – but a night sky quietly exploding with stars.
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