A new Montblanc writing instrument collection leans into the artistry of the rare métiers d’art to articulate the fascinating story of the world’s longest man-made monument and national symbol of China
The Montblanc High Artistry A Tribute to the Great Wall Limited Editions collection honours the ancient art form of calligraphy. Not only is the overall shape of the writing instrument inspired by a calligraphy brush, the edition features a curved nib with a tip that has a 45° angle that makes it possible to create lines of different thicknesses at various angles. Showcasing a new technology used for the first time ever by Montblanc, the handcrafted solid 18K gold nib is adorned with a 3D relief of the Great Wall.
The Montblanc High Artistry A Tribute to the Great Wall Limited Edition 1 Imperial
Inspired by traditional Ming dynasty artwork, the dragon metaphor comes to life on the Au750 solid yellow gold cap and barrel in a pavé of sapphires, rubies, tourmaline and diamonds ranging in colour from yellow and red to shades of blue and turquoise. A hand-crafted miniature music box that plays music inspired by the sound of chime bells has been masterfully placed within the cone of the writing instrument and is decorated with pavé-set blue sapphires. A 4.69ct brilliant cut diamond crowns the edition set in the skeletonised and hand engraved Au 750 solid gold cap top, symbolising a dragon’s claws holding the diamond. A Chinese guardian lion, traditional symbol of protection as powerful as the Great Wall itself, is depicted in a 3D hand engraving on the Au 750 solid yellow gold movable clip.
The Montblanc High Artistry A Tribute to the Great Wall Limited Edition 5 Imperial
Enamel cloisonné and champlevé decorations on the cap and barrel of the writing instrument evoke elaborate Ming enamel painted vases. A skeletonised and hand-engraved cap top inspired by imperial hat jewellery from the era opens to reveal a precious approx. 1.8 carat brilliant-cut diamond. The cone contains a calligraphy brush made of squirrel hair stabilised with translucent lacquer, which can be exchanged with a real brush to repurpose it as a Chinese calligraphy brush. Traditional symbol of protection as powerful as the Great Wall itself, a 3D hand engraving of the Chinese guardian lion adorns the Au 750 solid yellow gold movable clip.
Other editions include Limited Editions of 10 and 88, and the Meisterstück Skeleton LE333.
