Vietnamese Lacquer Pen – “Crimson Dragon”

The “Crimson Dragon” is part of CONCOPENS’ traditional Vietnamese lacquer pen collection. The name “Crimson Dragon” is deeply symbolic and mysterious, combining “Crimson” – a vivid red color that represents power, passion, and vitality – with “Dragon” – a mythical creature that symbolizes authority, wisdom, and protection in Eastern culture, particularly in Vietnam through various eras. The deep red lacquer streaks on the pen are thought to embody a powerful charm and the idea of always receiving protection and good fortune.

1. Materials Used for the Vietnamese Lacquer Fountain Pen – ‘Crimson Dragon’

Traditional Vietnamese lacquer is a technique used to decorate the surface of lacquerware, creating a cloud-like effect on the lacquer surface. To create a Vietnamese lacquer fountain pen, artisans use special tools and materials, including:

• The pen core (or nib) is carefully selected by artisans and is made entirely from precious Vietnamese woods such as ebony, rosewood, camwood, and sandalwood.

• Tam Nong lacquer is the primary material used to create the cloud-like patterns on the lacquered surface of the pen. Con Cò Pens’ lacquer pens use traditional decorative materials such as gilded gold, silver leaf, ground gold, silver foil, and natural materials like mother-of-pearl, seashells, and abalone powder to achieve the cloud effect on the lacquer surface.

• Lacquer tree resin, which is the main adhesive used in the lacquer production process, is harvested in Phu Tho Province. This adhesive is used to bond the lacquer with the pen core.

• The colors used in lacquer are derived from natural mineral powders. For example, green is created from malachite, blue from lapis lazuli, and red and yellow from cinnabar, orpiment, and mica. Additionally, precious metals such as renowned gilded gold and silver are incorporated during various stages of production.

• Tools: Artisans use tools such as brushes, feather quills, or their hands to create patterns and textures on the lacquer surface.

2. The Production Process of Lacquer Pens at CONCOPENS

Discover the Traditional Production Process of Lacquer Pens at CONCOPENS:

1. Creating the Pen Body and Cap: The wood is meticulously selected, dried, shaped through turning, and drilled to form the pen body and cap.

2. Smoothing the Pen Core Surface: The surface of the pen core is carefully sanded to ensure that the lacquer adheres firmly to it.

3. Attaching Copper Threads and Polishing the Wood: Copper threads are attached, and the wood is polished before applying the lacquer layers.

4. Applying the First Layer of Lacquer: The first layer of lacquer is applied to the pen’s surface, establishing a base for the subsequent lacquer layers.

5. Creating Patterns: Once the first layer of lacquer is completely dry, decorative materials such as gold, silver, and mother-of-pearl are used to create intricate patterns.

6. Creating Distinctive Features of Vietnamese Lacquer Art: This process enhances the unique characteristics of Vietnamese lacquer art and employs tools to craft distinctive patterns on the lacquer surface.

7. Applying Additional Lacquer Layers and Polishing: Additional layers of lacquer are applied to the surface and then polished to achieve both glossy and matte effects on the pen.

8. Surface Finishing: Finally, the lacquer surface is treated to smooth and enhance the pen’s shine.

All these steps are carried out by traditional Vietnamese lacquer artisans at CONCOPENS, involving hundreds of hours of work and waiting for multiple layers of lacquer to dry, resulting in the precious handcrafted product you hold in your hands.

3. The Value of Handcrafted Lacquer Pens

As a handcrafted item produced through traditional methods, each lacquer pen requires a high level of precision and craftsmanship, which contributes to its unique value. Lacquer pens are highly valuable across various fields, including:

• Culture: Through lacquer pens, the traditional Vietnamese lacquer art is more distinctly recognized both domestically and internationally. Alongside traditional lacquer products like paintings, boxes, vases, and plates, the creation and use of lacquer pens help preserve the beauty of Vietnamese handicrafts.

• Education: Lacquer pens are used in education to help students understand the history and cultural heritage of Vietnam, as well as to develop writing and drawing skills.

• Decoration and Gifts: Lacquer pens are utilized for decorating homes and offices or as meaningful gifts for friends and family. These products are often valued for their aesthetic appeal and their historical and cultural significance.

With its uniqueness and high value, CONCOPENS lacquer pens offer both spiritual and practical benefits. For any questions or advice, please contact our hotline at +84 933.898.289 or +84 966.88.6492. CONCOPENS is here to assist you.