Montblanc unveils the latest chapter in its Meisterstück Great Masters Calligraphy collection with two new limited editions that pay homage to the mastery of calligraphy and the time- honoured crafts of bamboo weaving, jade carving, enamelling and paper cutting.
Bringing together expert know-how in gold nib crafting and artistic inspiration rooted in centuries of tradition, Montblanc honours the deep connection between the art of writing and Chinese culture. Each edition features the Maison’s curved nib, crafted from solid Au 750 gold and ground at a 45° angle, allowing calligraphers and artists to explore a full spectrum of line variations, from bold strokes to intricate detailing. Depending on the angle of the curved nib on paper, the calligrapher can achieve wide horizontal lines and thin vertical lines while also turning the nib upside down for a fine line suited for detailed drawing.
The story of Cangjie, a legendary figure revered as the creator of Chinese writing, serves as inspiration for the design of the writing instruments. According to myth, Cangjie was born with four eyes and therefore had an extraordinary gift for observation, allowing him to recognise and record the distinct footprints of animals and natural forms. Inspired by these impressions and realising he could assign a distinct, written mark to identify everything in the world, he created the first Chinese characters. His story, deeply rooted in the natural world, connects nature, wisdom and the written word in Chinese culture.
Limited to just 88 pieces, the Meisterstück Great Masters Calligraphy Limited Edition 88 is an elegant homage to Chinese artistic heritage. The cap is masterfully crafted from solid Au 750 gold and engraved with a structured pattern that resembles bamboo weaving — a tribute to centuries-old Chinese craftsmanship. The barrel is carved from precious green jade, meticulously hand-engraved with a pattern inspired by Cangjie’s cloak of leaves, which he is often depicted wearing.
The gold-coated clip is set with two jade cabochons, symbolising the “four eyes” of Cangjie that gave him the gift of written language. Rendered in shimmering mother-of-pearl and encircled by jade, the Montblanc emblem at the cap top evokes the lushness of ancient bamboo forests. Completing this tribute, the solid Au 750 gold cone bears engravings of the first 28 Chinese characters ever written — the roots of modern Chinese script — while the curved bi-colour nib is adorned with a phoenix, a mythical bird linked to the birth of writing, when it dropped a hoofprint onto the soft riverbank at Cangjie’s feet.
Further pushing the boundaries of artistry and design, the Meisterstück Great Masters Calligraphy Limited Edition 8 is crafted from solid Au 750 Lime Gold, a Montblanc alloy with a subtle greenish-yellow tint, making its debut in the Maison’s writing instrument portfolio. The cap and barrel are adorned with Champlevé enamelling, a technique where enamel is hand-filled into carved recesses, creating vibrant blue and green motifs of a splendid papercut peacock — a symbol of dignity, beauty and prosperity in Chinese culture.
The hand-engraved twigs and trees on the cap and cone reference Cangjie’s deep connection to nature and the ancient Chinese tradition of seeking wisdom beneath the pine tree canopies. The clip, crafted from solid gold and rhodium-coated, is also inlaid with two precious jade cabochons, while the Montblanc emblem is a striking green jade piece set within solid Lime Gold. The solid Au 750 white gold curved nib bears an intricate phoenix decoration, a tribute to the magical animal who opened the door to the art of writing in Cangjie’s mind.
With these precious, handcrafted pieces, Montblanc reaffirms its dedication to fine craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation — where writing becomes not just an art, but a timeless tribute to culture and imagination.
The Meisterstück Great Masters Calligraphy Limited Edition 88 and the Meisterstück Great Masters Calligraphy Limited Edition 8 are available from July 2025 from Montblanc boutiques worldwide and online.
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