The spider is an ancient symbol that has been a recurring metaphor in the works of acclaimed authors and poets since the late 18th century. Paul Valéry and Francis Ponge are prominent figures amongst creators who frequently feature spiders in the form of literature and art. So, too, has it been rendered as inspiration for pen-makers to work the widely-celebrated spider web motif into their works. Montblanc debuted its first spider-inspired pen in 1920. Now, nearly a century later, the brand revisits the theme once again in their latest edition of Montblanc High Artistry Heritage Metamorphosis Pen.
Montblanc’s High Artistry Heritage Metamorphosis Pen Is A Déjà vu From Nearly A Decade Ago
This exquisite pen is exemplary of Montblanc’s expertise in pairing high artistry with the precision of pen-making to craft a truly functional yet wholly sculptural writing instrument. With advanced stone-cutting techniques and Montblanc’s know-how in nip crafting, this unique collection features hand-engraved and polished three-dimensional spider’s web motif, adorned with 13 carats of diamonds. To top off the gorgeous design, the pen set comes with a bangle and a clip, possibly in endearment of Ovid’s “The transformation of Arachne” in Metamorphoses, as the cap bears a transformative feature with a detachable spider that can be converted into a piece of jewellery: a bangle bracelet, tiepin or brooch.
The new collection is a unique vision in gold, diamonds and precious stones available in white, champagne and red. The white and champagne gold cap and barrel are paved with brilliant-cut stones. The detachable objet d’art that accompanies the pen is made from a pearl-cut diamond, 1.07-carat oval-cut Myanmar ruby and 12.36-carat Burmese star sapphire for the respective colours, and its legs set with 16 diamonds. And if that isn’t enough dazzle, the pen’s clip is set with a baguette diamond. The 18-karat gold nib is engraved with the likeness of the eight-legged captivating creature and is set with two brilliant-cut diamonds. This is the first time the luxury Maison introduces a transformable ornament on the writing masterpiece. The adoption of literacy metaphors sees the beginning of the brand weaving its way to greater creative excellence.