Vietnam Lacquer Fountain Pen – East Sea

Vietnam Lacquer Fountain Pen – “East Sea” Inspired by the blue color of the East Sea, the sea stretching across Vietnam, combining iridescent patterns from crushed natural snail shells, and blue and black lacquer when combined to create “Son Ta Tam Nong” and “Natural Shell” gold leaf create a deep and sparkling effect. The overall color combination makes the pen luxurious, powerful but not ostentatious, suitable as a gift for those important to you.

1. Materials that make up Vietnam Lacquer Fountain Pen

Traditional Vietnamese lacquer is a surface decoration technique of lacquer, creating a cloud-like effect on the lacquer surface. To create Vietnamese lacquer fountain pen, craftsmen will use special tools and materials, including:

• • The pen core (or pen core) is carefully selected by artisans and made entirely of precious Vietnamese woods such as Ebony wood, Trac wood, Cam wood, Huong wood, …

• • Lacquer is the main material to create the surface of cloud lacquer pens. Con Co Pens’ lacquered pens use traditional decorative materials made from gold and silver: card gold, milled gold, silver paste, or natural materials such as pearl shells, snail shells, powder. scallion, … to create a cloudy effect on the lacquer surface.

• • Shu tree resin is the main binder used in the lacquer production process, exploited in Phu Tho province. This adhesive is used to bond the lacquer and the pen core.

• • Colors used in lacquer are taken from naturally occurring mineral powders, for example, blue is made from malachite, lapis lazuli or red, The yellow color is made from Hoang Sa cinnabar, Than Sa, Kim Sa…  In addition, precious metals such as 18k gold, 24k gold,  silver… are added in the stages.

• • Tools: Craftsmen will use tools such as brushes, feathers, or hands to create rattan patterns on the lacquer surface.

All of the above materials are used to create traditional lacquered fountain pens that are beautiful, highly valuable and used in many fields.

2. Lacquer Fountain Pen production process at Concopens

The production process of rattan lacquer fountain pens at Concopens includes the following main steps:

• • Creating the body and cap of the pen: the wood is carefully selected, dried and machined to shape and drill holes.

• • Smoothing the surface of the pen core: The surface of the pen core is ground smooth to ensure that the lacquer surface adheres firmly to the pen core.

• • Attach copper threads and polish the wood before applying layers of lacquer.

• • First layer of paint: Paint the first layer on the surface of the lacquer pen, creating a bond with the next layer of lacquer.

• • Create textures: After the first layer of lacquer is completely dry, use decorative materials such as gold, silver, shellfish… to create the characteristics of Vietnamese lacquer and tools to create patterns. Unique pattern lines on the lacquer surface.

• • Apply lacquer to the surface and polish to create a glossy and matte effect on the pen.

• • Surface treatment: Finally, the lacquer surface is treated to smooth and increase the gloss of the pen.

• • All steps are performed by traditional Vietnamese lacquer artists at CONCOPENS

Every detail is exquisitely finished

3. The value of handicraft lacquer pens

As a handicraft product with a manual production process, each product requires high precision and perfection, which has created the special value of lacquered fountain pen. Lacquered fountain pens have high use value in many fields, including:

• • Culture: through lacquer pen products, Vietnam’s traditional lacquer art has been marked more clearly in the country and around the world. Besides previous lacquer products such as paintings, boxes, vases, dishes, etc. … the creation and use of lacquer pens also contributes to preserving the beauty of Vietnamese handicraft products.

• • Education: Lacquer pens are used in education to help students understand the history and traditional culture of the Vietnamese people, as well as to practice writing and drawing skills.

• • Decoration and gifts: Lacquer pen products are used to decorate homes, offices, or as meaningful gifts for friends and relatives. These products are often highly appreciated for their aesthetics and have historical and cultural value.

The fountain pen is intentionally optimized in size, based on real writing experience and long-term usage habits. The proportions of length and barrel diameter are carefully balanced, allowing the pen to rest comfortably in the hand without causing fatigue during extended writing sessions.

The grip section features a gentle taper that helps guide the fingers into the correct position, providing stability and precise control over each stroke. Overall, the design emphasizes comfort, balance, and a natural feel, making it suitable for both everyday note-taking and slower, more mindful writing moments, where one can fully appreciate the experience of a handcrafted fountain pen.

5. Differences Between Vietnamese Lacquer and Japanese Lacquer

According to research materials, Vietnamese lacquer (sơn ta – laccol) and Japanese lacquer (urushi) both belong to the family of natural tree-resin lacquers that cure through enzymes and humidity. However, they differ in chemical structure and reaction dynamics.

Japanese urushi has shorter molecular chains and a higher number of double bonds, allowing it to cure more quickly and form a hard, highly glossy surface. In contrast, Vietnamese sơn ta has longer molecular chains with fewer double bonds, resulting in a slower curing process. In return, it offers greater flexibility, depth, and a warm, distinctive sheen.

This “slow but deep” characteristic is what creates the calm, enduring, and emotionally rich beauty of Vietnamese lacquer, setting it apart from the sharper, more crisp aesthetic of Japanese lacquer.

With its uniqueness and high artistic value, ConCoPens lacquer fountain pens deliver both spiritual meaning and everyday practicality. If you have any questions or need consultation, please contact us via email or our official fanpage. ConCoPens is always happy to assist you.