Press release 2009



Shiva Limited Edition: a tribute to the Gods, an offering to the Supreme Divinity




Geneva, March 2009 - Caran dAche, Maison de Haute Ecriture, presents the new Limited Edition in the Artiste Collection. After Buddha and Ganesh, this creation completes the Divinities theme, paying homage to the Hindu God, Shiva.
Your browser may not support display of this image.Manufacturing secrets and expertise play a key role in creating beautiful writing instruments. In the great tradition of Swiss manufacturing, Caran dAche carefully preserves the knowledge and craft of a Maison de Haute Ecriture.

The Limited Editions in the Artiste Collection are truly exceptional pieces, drawing their inspiration from strongly symbolic themes such as Culture and the Divinities.

After Buddha and Ganesh, both spectacular, mystical pieces, Caran dAche honors another Divinity. In collaboration with the jeweler and artist, Edouard Jud, 108 fountain pens and 55 roller pens have been created, dedicated to the Hindu God, Shiva, father of Ganesh.

Produced entirely by hand in 800 solid silver with a distinctive somber finish, these sumptuous pieces evoke all the mystery and symbolism of the most important figure in the Shivaist tradition.






Shiva, the personification of the Absolute, appears on the body and cap of the writing instruments in several representations of his destructive and regenerative power.




The third eye of Shiva is engraved on the writing instrument, symbolizing wisdom and spiritual knowledge; it enables to destroy the universe in order to create a new one. Not far away, Shiva Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, moves to the rhythm of his damaru using his four arms to indicate the dimensions of space that are necessary for ascension to a new world. From the crescent moon to the lingam, from the agate that adorns the cap to the diamond that highlights the trident, the fine engravings and gilded details on the body of the pen express the mystical spirit of this God.




The cap is crowned with an agate, a semi-precious stone carefully chosen by Caran dAche craftsmen for its intense blue that evokes the vibrant hues of India and the Divine color. Its incredible purity makes it nearly transparent, allowing the brands monogram to be seen almost mystically behind it.

The personalised writing block of the pen, in 800 solid silver, shows the Shivaist symbol composed of Shivas trident and the three horizontal lines of the Tripoundra.





For this homage to the Divine, Caran dAche has limited the edition to 108 fountain pens, 108 being a key number in Indian tradition, and to 55 roller pens, 5 being the Hindu principle of life.





Technical description


Its 108 fountain pens and 55 roller pens pay an exceptional tribute to the rituals and spirituality of India. The iconic presentation of the God Shiva adorned with his signs and emblems cover the gently rounded body in 800 solid silver highlighted by gilded detailing.

Special attention has been paid to the writing block, which is engraved with the Shivaist symbol. The cap of the pen is crowned with an Agate cabochon, a magnificent stone 8.5mm in diameter. Nearly transparent it allows the brands monogram to be seen. A brilliant diamond of 0.04 carats Top Wesselton VVS enhances the trident.

The Caran dAche logo appears on the ring of the pen, together with the individual number and the craftsmans hallmark, certifying the origin of the piece. It is here that Edouard Jud signs each writing instrument individually.

The fountain pen can be used with an ink pump or with Caran dAche cartridges. The M-width fountain pen nib in rhodium-coated, 18-carat gold, is also available to order in F or B widths.

The roller pen is used with a Caran dAche roller point cartridge.

The manufacturing process fully respects Swiss Made quality standards and the pens are covered by an international lifetime guarantee.

For indication only : These exclusive writing instruments are retailing at SGD15,600 for the fountain pen version and SGD13,800 for the roller ball version. Prices include GST. They are available at the Caran dAche Boutique.

At first glance, the pen reminded me of Dalsim from the game Street Fighter

Cheers,
Anthony



.

Look forward to seeing all the intricate details and craftsmanship in person.

-MW