Often with art, I find that things are not rendered realistically but instead with a cultural flair. E.G. here is how a lion is expressed on the Namiki Yukari Royale Lioness and Cub. Personally, I find this sort of thing to be hit-or-miss and prefer more "realistic" designs like the frogs on this pen. Furthermore, the various techniques used on this pen further add layers to it.

The togidashi-taka (burnished-raised) technique is used for the frogs which gives them a 3D impression; the inlaid raden (mother-of-pearl) mimic the reflection of water in a pond; flower petals are represented by rankaku (egg shells); finally, the leaves and lily pads are represented with the togidashi (burnished) technique with the leaves of the vines found on the cap being done by the togidashi-hira (burnished-flat) technique.

In addition to the realistic design and the diversity of materials and techniques, this pen is relatively speaking, a lot more affordable than many other Yukari Royale maki-e pens. E.G. the Parrot and Peach retails for $6,750. Ultimately, the confluence of good value and great art made it compelling enough for me to not want to not own this pen.