Élysée Impression Number 1 Limited Edition 1994
Nib: Fine, highly decorated two-tone platinum masked solid 18 karat gold nib.
Impression Number 1: Towards the light
The third of Élysée's Limited Edition Vernissage series, Impression No. 1 "Toward the Light", was created by artist Manfred Eberhard. He believes that "art has the task of creating freedom for human feelings." The Vernissage series uses Chinese Cloisonné art as the basis for the pen design. Vernissage is a French term for a private art exhibition for invited guests. The Élysée Parthenon model is as the canvas and the result is a very distinctive and unique series.
This pen is the most elaborate of the series. The artwork depicts a human shape walking towards the sun. Manfred Eberhard describes this as a hopeful vision that "every individual will find a positive attitude towards life when stepping out of the shadow towards the light."
The walking figure is rendered in bright gold framed by a brilliant sunburst behind the figure's head. The predominant base color, in segments implying the flicker of light against the dark, is a dark blue enamel, possibly a nod toward the "Blue of Jingtai", the popular color used in Chinese Cloisonné from the latter Ming period, in the reign of Jingtai (1450-1456). This dark blue is dotted with segments of a lighter blue. Above the head of the walking figure, on the cap, are two golden birds in flight, soaring above, adding to the positive message.
The Impression Number 1 Limited Edition came in individually numbered instruments
- Fountain Pen, 6,000 numbered pieces - 3174
- Twist Action Ballpoint Pen, 4,000 numbered pieces - 2834
- Cap and barrel are cloisonné, with multiple lacquer elements filled into cut depressions, polished smooth and then finished with 18 karat gold plating
- 18 karat gold plated trim
- Cap band has Élysée engraved on the front, Germany 18K GOLD PLATED on the back
- Edition number is laser engraved next to the end of the clip
- Cap top has cast Élysée logo
- Cap pulls off
- 18 karat gold platinum plated open nib with Élysée logo
- About 5 5/8 inches capped and 6 1/8 inches with the cap posted on the end of the barrel
- International type cartridge / converter filling system
- Presented in large display box
* all three sets are available as a collection. While quantities last
* for Pen World feature article email me for availability john@peelpenshop.com
Sept./Oct. 1994 Volume 8, No.1