The Montegrappa brand is synonymous with luxury and craftsmanship, and their latest offering, the Imperial Year of the Dragon Limited Edition Fountain Pen and Rollerball Pen Collection, is a testament to this legacy. As the lunar year of the dragon ascends, Montegrappa reintroduces a mythological icon into its esteemed collection, blending historical significance with modern artisanal prowess.
The Imperial Year of the Dragon series is not just a set of writing instruments; it is a celebration of artistry and tradition. The collection revisits the core artisanal features of the Skulls & Roses edition, which was a sold-out success in 2022. This previous edition was notable for introducing the 5-axis fibre laser capability, which allowed for intricate, full-body tattoo engraving—a technique that has been refined and carried forward in the new dragon-themed series.
Each pen in the collection is a numbered piece, limited to 333 fountain pens and rollerballs, making them highly collectible. The pens are crafted with multiaxial laser-engraving, a method that intricately carves bespoke 19th-century tattoo illustrations along the sterling silver body of the pen. This process not only showcases the technical skill involved but also gives each pen a unique, vintage patina that highlights the detailed engravings.
Innovation is at the heart of the Imperial Year of the Dragon collection. The pens feature a 2mm AAA ruby set into the clip, symbolizing the eye of the dragon, and are the first to use black-carbon Juma® for the grip section, hinting at future explorations of the dragon mythos by Montegrappa. The fountain pens boast an 18K gold 'hungry dragon' nib, available in various sizes, and a piston filling system, ensuring a writing experience as luxurious as the pen's appearance.
The packaging of the collection is as exquisite as the pens themselves, continuing the tradition from the Skulls & Roses series with a walnut case and a special collection plaque. Each fountain pen comes with a 50ml bottle of blue Signature Ink, complete with a custom-engraved cap, adding to the exclusivity of the writing experience.
Montegrappa's Imperial Year of the Dragon collection is more than just a writing instrument; it is a statement piece that embodies the spirit of the dragon—powerful, wise, and timeless. It is a fusion of precious metals, stones, and unparalleled craftsmanship, offering a writing performance that could be described as almost supernatural.
For collectors and aficionados of fine writing instruments, the Imperial Year of the Dragon is not just a purchase; it is an investment in a piece of art that carries the legacy of Montegrappa's century-old tradition of excellence and innovation. As these pens glide across the paper, they leave behind not just ink, but the mark of a legend.
