Graf von Faber-Castell Pen of The Year 2016 Platinum Fountain pen

The Graf von Faber-Castell “Pen of the Year” Edition has carved out a special position for itself amongst connoisseurs of fine writing culture. The design is inspired by epoch-making works and personalities. After Catherine the Great with “Catherine Palace, St. Petersburg” and Frederick the Great with “Sanssouci, Potsdam”, the trilogy is now complete with Empress Maria Theresa with “Schloß Schönbrunn, Vienna”. The fates of these three extraordinary ruling figures were very closely linked. As daughter of Emperor Karl VI and heir to the throne, Maria Theresa took over the regency of the large Habsburg Empire in 1740. She lost the region of Silesia to the Prussian King, her lifelong rival, not least because of the neutrality of Catherine. However in the end, Maria Theresa was able to ensure almost complete territorial integrity of her monarchy.

In 1736, Maria Theresa married Francis Stephen of Lorraine (Franz Stephan von Lothringen), 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 magnificent building became the cultural and political centre of the Habsburg Empire. Important matters were decided there, and lively celebrations were also held. In addition, Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, among others, appeared at the palace theatre.

After 29 years of a happy marriage, Maria Theresa lost her beloved husband unexpectedly in 1765. 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 panelling 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.

Graf von Faber-Castell has acquired true artists of their craft for the design work of the Graf von Faber-Castell “Pen of the Year 2016”: the conservator of the Vieux-Laque Room Silvia Miklin and the Japanese artist Tomizo Saratani who specialises in the Maki-e technique. They 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 platinum-plated variant of the Graf von Faber-Castell “Pen of the Year 2016” is also inspired by the design of the Vieux-Laque Room in a unique way. Hand-ground plates made from deep black onyx are set in elaborately created, platinum-plated frames and contrast with individually grained flamed maple in a fascinating manner. The platinum-plated fountain pen is limited to 500 units, the rollerball pen to 150. The special edition is limited to 120 fountain pens and 50 rollerball pens. 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.

The Graf von Faber-Castell Pen of The Year 2016 Fountain pen uses a plunger filling mechanism and has an 18 karat gold nib.

In 1761, Kaspar Faber started to produce pencils in Stein, near Nuremberg. When the fourth generation,Baron Lothar von Faber, took over the company in 1839 he turned the pencil into a true quality product and the world's first branded writing instrument. Over the centuries, he and his descendants created remarkable products. The result is the Graf von Faber-Castell Collection, a range of extraordinary writing instruments and accessories. They embody "Luxury in Simplicity" by combining selected materials, functionality and superb aesthetics.

To ensure this exclusive writing instrument gives you many years of writing pleasure, Graf von Faber-Castell is pleased to offer a complimentary annual service having your Pen of the Year checked, cleaned and maintained through their specialists. You are eligible for this service after registration of your Graf von Faber-Castell Pen of the Year on their web site (www.graf-von-faber-castell.com).