2016 Fountain Pen Congress Meet In Taipei

[mchenart]

Fountain Pen Congress is a small group of dedicated and serious pen lovers who meet once a year in Taipei, and we had our annual pen meet last weekend in a restaurant run by one of our members. Although we only have about 25 members or so, they are spread all over Taiwan and a few even live in Hong Kong.

 

During the pen meet, we showed off some of our new acquisitions, related stories, had a lucky draw with prizes generously sponsored by dealers and distributors, and generally had a good time. Speaking of lucky draw gifts, we had Italian leather journals, Pilot Somes pen trays, a suede mat for display, Visconti bookmarks, G. Lalo stationery sets, pen cases and 2017 diaries. Actually there were more gifts than the number of people attending, so each one got home with more than one prize!

 

There was a spectacular display of pens on the table that day. There were whole trays of vintage Pelikan’s, Kato celluloid pens, Montblanc LE’s, snake themed pens, Ban-ei’s workshop offerings, Ohasido’s, Omas faceted Paragons, Kamakura-bori’s, Pilot 845 urushi pens in all colours, exotic Hakase’s, custom maki-e’s, and many many more.

 

Here are just a few photos I took of the pen meet. If I got permission to use photos by other members, I will post them here in the near future. Enjoy!

 

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[Casper]

What a wonderful meeting!

[mchenart]

Thanks, Casper, it was really wonderful. With good food, nice pens and good fellowship, what else do we need?

 

Here are some more photos by Ms. Lai, who has consented to let me share them here.

 

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[jar]

Amazing.

[ele]

What's that wood pen with a silver band that pops up in so many of the images? It looks special.

[da vinci]

The photos and write up of your meet are amazing. So many rare pens. Thank you to you and your friends for sharing.

[mchenart]

What's that wood pen with a silver band that pops up in so many of the images? It looks special.

 

Hi ele, I believe it is a rare wood pen made by our Fine Writing International, http://www.finewriting.com.tw/shop/

I forgot what wood was used on that, but it could very well be antique Huanghuali, a precious wood used in a lot of Ming Dynasty furniture. The silver band is hand hammered, and gives a rather nice tactile feel when holding it.

[Tinjapan]

Wow, a lot of premium pens in such a small group.

 

Looks like a lot of fun!

[Tinjapan]

BTW, who makes those covered pen trays and how do we find them?

[koofle]

Such an incredible assemblage of craftsmanship all in one location! So many beautiful pieces of urushi, raden and maki-e. Thank you for sharing these amazing photos.

[mitto]

Wonderful pens and wonderful group of pen enthussiasts.

[mchenart]

Thanks everyone for your comments. We have certainly enjoyed seeing those pens too. Every year, there are always surprises and eye candies, and this year there is no exception.

 

 

BTW, who makes those covered pen trays and how do we find them?

 

Tinjapan, those suede pen trays with detachable magnetic lids were produced by Ms. Lai's supplier. We like them so much that each one of us ordered several through her. Let me know if you are interested through PM.