The Pen of the Year 2019 is inspired by the Japanese samurai (bushi) and their matchless martial arts skills, their swords made from the most precious materials and their silently gliding movements, the aesthetics of which are so similar to the writing process.
Samurais believe that intuition is just as important as the intellectual learning of the rules so that they can be free of selfishness and wrong intentions. In line with this tenet, the dark- stained barrel made of magnolia wood features a quote engraved in 24-carat gold varnish by Miyamoto Musashi, "Today I win against myself of yesterday". A metal plate, engraved with the 24-carat gold plated Japanese character for samurai, adorns the cap. The end cap is also engraved with the with the symbol created by Musashi for the word "tsuba", or hand guard, the device that protects the hand when holding the weapon. The two caps, the handle and the 18-carat gold nib of the fountain pen are coated in ruthenium.
As a tribute to the noble virtues of the samurai and their art of forgery, the Black Edition writing instruments are made from only the finest of materials. The painted black metal shaft of the Black Edition resembles the beautifully decorated armor made from individual metal plates. Delicate, tapered lines with 24-carat gold plating make the embellishment appear slightly embossed. The Japanese character for samurai is engraved in the tamahagane inlay in the cap. The end cap is adorned with the symbol "tsuba" (hand guard), designed by Miyamoto Musashi and a wave-like pattern. The caps and the handle are finished with an anthracite grey PVD coating made from titanium, while the 18-carat gold nib is coated with ruthenium.
Each of the unique, numbered pens represents the inner disposition of the samurai to strive for strength, clarity and perfection. The exclusive pens come in a high-gloss black wooden case. A certificate signed by Count Charles von Faber-Castell attests to the authenticity of the limited edition.
Fountain Pen, Ruthenium - Limited to 400 pieces.
Rollerball Pen, Ruthenium - Limited to 120 pieces.
Fountain Pen, Exclusive Black Edition - Limited to 330 pieces.
Rollerball Pen, Exclusive Black Edition - Limited to 100 pieces.
