Rumours, Rumours Caran d'Ache Year Of the Snake 2013 Limited Edition

After successfully launched the Caran d'Ache Year of the Dragon 2012 Limited Edition, Caran d'Ache launched the Year of the Snake 2013.

We are not sure if Caran d'Ache has again joined hand with Li Qiang Sheng to create a Chinese calligrahy style snake motif.

When we look at the snake express on the picture, we don't think it is the work of Li Qiang Sheng.

We have booked our pieces from the authorized local retailers. Once we got our hand on the actual, we will posted more pictures and details with you.

The pen is presented in the standard Caran d'Ache standard limited edition box.

Pen Details:
Title: A Limited Edition dedicated to the Secrets of the Snake
Trim: gold plate
Top of the cap: Numbering, 888 fountain pens and 888 roller pens – 888 is a lucky number in Chinese culture and a symbol of fundamental balance. Writing block: 2 snake engravings
Ring: Engraved Caran d’Ache logo & Swiss Made.
Body and Cap: The Snake motif in gold plate on polished black Chinese lacquer Body: Calligraphic representation of the Serpent character
Tip: “Chinese lacquer” engraved in Chinese  

Pilot Vanishing Point Gun Metal Gray/Matt Black

Pilot launched another Gun Metal Grey color for their iconic vanishing point (capless) pen last Christmas. The grey are darker as compare to the previous Gun Metal color. Instread of the standard Rhodium triming, this latest vanishing point pen treated the metalic parts with matt back finishing, similar to the Pilot Vanishing Point stealth pen.

Namiki Zodiac Dragon

We are three weeks away before the Year of Dragon come to an end. I thought it will be a good idea to look a "forgotten" Namiki Zodiac Dragon.

In the pictures, I have taken pictures of the two Namiki Zodiac Dragon fountain pens. If you notice, the new Namiki Zodiac fountain pens are the first sign of Namiki changes their design.

The maki-e design on the pen barrel will be the main theme, and the cap would be a "matching" flowers.

I think Namiki changes their approach for three reasons. Firstly, I think this is to make the design less complex. Secondly, it is to increase the productivity of the maki-e artisan.

Stipula Etruria Gaudi Casa Batllo Limited Edition

The S.T. Dupont Second (French) Empire Limited Edition is a very interesting pens that highlighted the great architecture during that period. Here is another not so expensive limited edition pen by Stipula as compare to S.T Dupont that pay tribute to the Spanish Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi (25 June 1852 - 10 June 1926), who build/model a few landmarks in his life time, and one of them is Casa Batllo.

Located in the one of the major avenues and important area of business and shopping in Barcelona Spain lie a very colorful architecture inspired by the sea elements. It is the Casa Batlló restored by Antoni Gaudí in 1877. It was later remodeled in the years 1904–1906. The local call it Casa dels ossos (House of Bones) as it has visceral, skeletal organic quality.

Montblanc Albert Einstein Special Edition Ink

Mont Blanc "The Great Characters Edition 2013" pays homage to Albert Einstein. Launched togather with their Albert Einstein Limited Edition pens is a special edition (not limited but while stock last) grey ink.

It is current available exclusive at Mont Blanc boutique.

S.T. Dupont Second (French) Empire

Happy New Year!!! Let start the year with a red color pen for good luck, good fortune and joy.

Last year (2012), S.T. Dupont Annual Néo Classique  Limited Edition pay tribute to the Second French Empire (1852 - 1870).

This limited edition was crafted based on great furniture houses of the Second French Empire, also known as  Napolean III style. It is a term also used elsewhere in the world for this style.  The Second Empire Style not only impacted French, it also major impact on design throughout Europe and the United States.

One of the distinct feature of this style is the design mainstream is the decorative arts of Europe with influence from Spain to Sweden and Russia.