Black, masterly-painted lacquer panels placed in paneling made from flamed maple and set with a gilded frame have adorned the Vieux-Laque Room in Schönbrunn Palace since 1770. Here you will find a special expression of the deep love between Maria Theresa and Francis Stephen in craftsmanship perfected over thousands of years – lacquer art. This story is the inspiration for the Pen of the Year 2016.
In 1736, Maria Theresa married Francis Stephen of Lorraine, whom she knew and treasured from childhood. This was a marriage of love, which was very unusual for the time. The ruling couple spent the summer months in Schönbrunn Palace, which Maria Theresa had specially renovated. This 1441-room, magnificent building became the cultural and political center of the Hapsburg Empire. Important matters were decided there, and lively celebrations were also held.
After 29 years of a happy marriage, Maria Theresa lost her beloved husband unexpectedly in 1765. She wrote about this: “I have lost a husband, a friend, the only object of my love.” She furnished his former study with things that were the most precious to them both, thus ensuring the best way to express her love for Francis Stephen: “Nothing in this world, all diamonds mean nothing to me. The only things that give me joy come from China, especially lacquerware”. Lacquer was seen at that time as especially precious, as well as the epitome of luxury and exquisite taste due to the extremely costly and time consuming process of extracting it from the lacquer tree. Maria Theresa therefore spared no expense when furnishing the memorial room for Francis Stephen with their shared passion for Far East lacquer art. Among the prized possessions of the huge collection at Schönbrunn Palace are valuable Chinese screens from the imperial manufactory in Beijing. Their black lacquer panels masterly-painted with gold using the Chinese Miaojin technique were placed in paneling made from flamed maple and set with a gilded frame in 1770. Delicate gold paintings of landscapes, pagodas and floral patterns have been captivating the eye since that time in the Vieux-Laque Room, giving expressions of happiness, fortune, transience and immortality.
We were very pleased to have acquired true artists of their craft for the design work of the “Pen of the Year 2016”: The conservator of the Vieux-Laque Room Silvia Miklin and the Japanese artist Tomizo Saratani who specializes in the Maki-e technique. We worked together developing a motif that is divided into three parts, yet comes together to make a whole. During the most time consuming phases, each of the three plates are first painted black, then polished and burnt several times by hand. Then the artist lovingly draws the motif on the lacquer and then sprinkles the still wet drawing several times with 24-carat gold powder in different tints. This results in a relief that can still be perceived through additional protective lacquer works. Thus the characteristic look-and-feel of Hira Maki-e lacquer work is born.
The Special Limited Edition are adorned by three plates, which are first painted black, then polished and burnt several times by hand. Thereafter the artist lovingly draws the motif on the lacquer and sprinkles the still wet drawing several times with 24-carat gold powder in different tints. This results in a relief that can still be perceived through additional protective lacquer works. The cap is adorned by a faceted Onyx which is ground and polished by hand.
The individually numbered writing instruments are kept in a highly-polished, black wooden case. It includes a certificate personally signed by the master craftsman of the gemstone manufactory Herbert Stephan attesting to the authenticity of the onyx used. Artist Tomizo Saratani also attested to the painting with 24-carat gold. The caps are adorned by a faceted Onyx which is ground and polished by hand.
Fountain Pen, Platinum-plated - Limited to 500 pieces.
Rollerball Pen, Platinum-plated - Limited to 150 pieces.
Fountain Pen, Special Edition 24ct Gold-plated - Limited to 120 pieces.
Rollerball Pen, Special Edition 24ct Gold-plated - Limited to 50 pieces.
*The 2016 Pen of the Year is no longer available.
