Each year about this time, I eagerly anticipate a new Montblanc High Artistry limited edition writing instrument collection, the brand’s annual opportunity to show off its multi-layered artisanal talents. For a brand like Montblanc, with a vast following of loyal fans, it would be easy enough to phone something in and ride on its decades-long reputation for creating “must-have” pens. But this has never been the case with Montblanc, which seemingly cherishes every opportunity to augment its oeuvre and expand its proficiencies, particularly within the realm of High Artistry.
This year’s High Artistry Tribute to the Great Wall of China takes on a monumental task: thousands of years of history to proclaim on the canvas of a Montblanc writing instrument. Thoughtful editing and masterful design made it possible, resulting in five different limited edition fountain pens, each a testament to essential facets of Chinese culture.
Artistic director Zaim Kamal says the Tribute to the Great Wall of China is “a culmination of storytelling.” And so it is. The pens also feature extraordinary details, including the use of miniaturization (note the music box and Paris-sourced hand-done embroidery), and tactility (note the rotating jasper rings, a hinged cap crown, movable clips and more) that bring the story to life.
A 4.69-carat brilliant-cut diamond crowns the pen, seemingly held in place by a dragon’s claws, while a Chinese guardian lion is engraved on the 18-karat movable clip. A small music box resides within the cone of the pen, its chiming melody an aural delight.
As for the music box, Kamal was looking for nothing less than just the right size, sound, intensity and, of course, melody, and Kamal ultimately chose a Swiss automata craftsman to fulfil the exacting requirements. I had an opportunity to listen to its serenade, and I found it dreamlike and soothing—perfect for inspiring excellent writing.
