Probably any collector’s nightmare is not finding a particular limited edition, specifically one that they couldn’t buy at the time and is now very hard to find. At this point, any serious collector would do anything and of course, pay any price to add the piece to their collection. I know it because I would do the same. Today’s article is about a jewel launched back in 2016 and which can only be found in a few copies on the secondary market and I’m talking about Montblanc’s Artisan Edition Homage to Artist Wassily Kandinsky.
Released in 2016 to mark Montblanc’s 110 years of its “Pioneering Spirit,” this exquisite collection deviates from the conventional path of celebrating figures of history or literature, instead placing the spotlight on the skilled craftsmen in the Montblanc workshops. With only 77 pieces produced worldwide, each pen in this edition is not merely an instrument of writing but a tangible manifestation of the dedication and passion of Montblanc’s craftsmen.
Wassily Kandinsky, the revered painter, art theorist, and author, serves as the muse for this exceptional collection. Kandinsky’s journey from Moscow to Weimar and then to Paris is a testament to his pioneering spirit and revolutionary artistic vision. Montblanc pays homage to this visionary artist by infusing his spirit into every detail of the Artisan Edition. This edition places the artisans themselves at the forefront with each detail being meticulously handcrafted, reflecting the artisan’s unparalleled skill and dedication to perfection.
The design of the pen pays homage to Kandinsky’s avant-garde aesthetic, incorporating elements inspired by his iconic artworks. Bold colors, geometric shapes, and abstract motifs intertwine to create a mesmerizing visual tapestry, reminiscent of Kandinsky’s groundbreaking compositions.
We could easily say we’re talking about a work of art, rather than a writing instrument. However, unlike classic artwork that usually rests in cabinets or on walls, this one offers you the luxury of flexing it, writing one, or two lines at will, in the company of other collector friends, or privately. Now let’s take a look at the design per se of this edition.
The limited edition number 77 is a reference to the artist’s age when he died, in 1944. The champagne-tone gold pen is inspired by the shapes and colors of Kadinsky’s “Yellow-Red-Blue” – one of the artist’s most famous paintings, created in 1925. This painting is a testament to Kandinsky’s belief in the transformative potential of art. Through abstract forms and vibrant colors, the artist aimed to create a universal language of art that transcended cultural and linguistic boundaries, speaking directly to the soul of the viewer.
The skeletonized pen cap is layered with red, yellow, and blue lacquer inlays of breathtaking radiance, A Kadinsky-like sinuous black line is used for the pen clip, with Kadinsky’s signature set at the base of the cap, while his “K” flourish adorns the 18k gold nib. The cap is crowned in mother-of-pearl, which is used to create the famed Montblanc snowcap emblem while the body of the pen comes in a multi-color gradient that perfectly complements the bold cap design.
And now comes the good news, at least for collectors who seem to have another reason to rejoice. The 26/77 copy is available for sale in a fine stationery boutique in Zug, Switzerland.
For more information, consider contacting the sales team or ordering directly on styleofzug.ch.
