Visconti Dragon and Phoenix

[tres]

First Impression: I had been eyeing (lusting for) the Visconti Dragon and Phoenix Maki-e pen for some time. I think I am in love; should I really feel this way about an inanimate object? This pen is amazing, even better than I had hoped; and I sometimes have unreasonable expectations, at least that is what some people say. To add to my joy this was a surprise gift from Paul (I think he got sick of me going on-and-on about the pen and Bryant’s deals!)

 

http://www.paulandtres.com/albums/visconti-dragon/dragon_phoenix_4.sized.jpg

Close up of cap - phoenix side.

Hi-res link: http://www.paulandtres.com/fpngallery/album04...hoenix_4?full=1

 

http://www.paulandtres.com/albums/visconti-dragon/dragon_phoenix_2.sized.jpg

Dragon on the barrel.

Hi-res link: http://www.paulandtres.com/fpngallery/album04...hoenix_2?full=1

 

1. Appearance & Design 10/10 – This pen is pure art, Maki-e work was done by Soukou Oshita. The artwork is done on ivory celluloid that has a depth that, in my experience, is unique to this series. There are small metal dragons circling the ink window (see picture). I am not sure what else I can say about the appearance other than to refer you to the pictures that Paul took for me.

 

http://www.paulandtres.com/albums/visconti-dragon/dragon_phoenix_20.sized.jpg

Close-up of phoenix head.

 

http://www.paulandtres.com/albums/visconti-dragon/dragon_phoenix_17.sized.jpg

Close-up of dragon head.

Hi-res link: http://www.paulandtres.com/fpngallery/album04...oenix_17?full=1

 

http://www.paulandtres.com/albums/visconti-dragon/dragon_phoenix_19.sized.jpg

Close-up of ink window.

Hi-res link: http://www.paulandtres.com/fpngallery/album04...oenix_19?full=1

 

2. Construction & Quality 8/10 – The pen feels very solid and I cannot see any manufacturing defects (even under the ultra macro pictures). However, I am in complete fear of dropping it on a hard surface. It would probably be fine but I do not want to test that theory. Lets face it, the pen is not a $3 Pilot Varsity (which, by the way, are very tough pens – cat tested around here). In reality I should probably give the Dragon and Phoenix a 10, since I cannot find any fault with the construction or quality. However, my fear of dropping it knocks it down to an 8.

 

3. Weight & Dimensions 9/10 – The pen is 5 ¾ " long capped, 5 2/5" long uncapped, 6 ¾ " long posted, and is roughly 5/8" in diameter. It is a very well balanced pen and has a weight just under that of the Divina Proporzione. It is a pen that feels best to me when posted but, for now, I am a little leery of posting for fear of scratching the pen, thus the 9.

 

http://www.paulandtres.com/albums/visconti-dragon/dragon_phoenix_1.sized.jpg

Dragon next to Montblanc 146

Hi-res link: http://www.paulandtres.com/fpngallery/album04...hoenix_1?full=1

 

4. Nib & Performance 8/10 – The pen has a two tone18k medium nib. It is a typical Visconti nib – buttery smooth, with a little flex and a joy to write with. The nib is pure Visconti, putting down a very nice, wet, full-bodied medium line. The only reason that this nib does not get a 10/10 is the Graf von Faber Castell PotY has a nib that is, to my hand, perfection.

 

http://www.paulandtres.com/albums/visconti-dragon/dragon_phoenix_9.sized.jpg

Nib from top

Hi-res link: http://www.paulandtres.com/fpngallery/album04...hoenix_9?full=1

 

http://www.paulandtres.com/albums/visconti-dragon/dragon_phoenix_10.sized.jpg

Nib from side

Hi-res link: http://www.paulandtres.com/fpngallery/album04...oenix_10?full=1

 

5. Filling System 10/10 – What can I say? I love the Visconti double reservoir power filler system. It is easy to use, it is fun to use (small things amuse me), and it holds plenty of ink for my needs.

 

6. Cost & Value 10/10 – I mean really, it was a gift! Even if it had not been a gift, this is one item that I would recommend to anyone. Especially if purchased through the addiction enabler, Bryant at pentime.net (no affiliation other than he is a great supplier, um source, um dealer for my pen addiction).

 

7. Conclusion (Final score averages out to just over a 9/10 but the joy I get from just looking at the pen puts it closer to a 10 on an emotional level) - The pen is simply beautiful, it looks like the fine work of art that it is. It is well executed and definitely takes me to my "happy place" every time I get it out to use (or just to look at).

 

There are many more pictures on our web page. Here is a link to the full album of photos that Paul took of the pen: http://www.paulandtres.com/fpngallery/album04

If you click on a thumbnail you will get a medium size version of the image, click on that image and you will be taken to the high resolution image.

Edited August 21, 2009 by tres

[Ghost Plane]

I'm up for adoption if Paul wants to give me one, too!

[PigRatAndGoat]

Amazing pictures of an amazing pen! By the way, does the section stain when you fill it up?

[tres]

Amazing pictures of an amazing pen! By the way, does the section stain when you fill it up?

 

So far no staining but I am very careful to wipe off any excess quickly!

[PigRatAndGoat]

Amazing pictures of an amazing pen! By the way, does the section stain when you fill it up?

 

So far no staining but I am very careful to wipe off any excess quickly!

 

Sounds good.

[Mrsal]

thats an amazing lookin pen!

[tres]

I'm up for adoption if Paul wants to give me one, too!

Sorry, he has met his quota with me! :roflmho:

 

thats an amazing lookin pen!

Thank you, I have to agree

[goodguy]

Beautiful pen, beautiful pictures and a great review.

All I can say is I envy you!!!

[MYU]

What a stunning pen! And great photography to go with this fine review. Thanks for this excellent contribution.

 

~Gary

[WendyNC]

This one is on my "beautiful things I'm never going to have unless I win the lottery" list so I really appreciate all the close-up pictures. It really is as gorgeous as I'd hoped it was. Enjoy!

 

 

 

I'm up for adoption if Paul wants to give me one, too!

 

Forget that--I want to be adopted by Bryant! :roflmho:

[evgeny0ukr]

A beautiful pen indeed! And there were a lot of chanse to buy it extremely cheap! (condidering its retail price)

But does anyone know that apart from well known Dragon & Phoenix and 3 more

- Orges

- Anubis

- Pegasus & Chimera

 

Magical Creatures Maki-e sery has another very rare pen the 5th one! Can any guess which one?

Edited September 2, 2009 by evgeny0ukr

[Mrsal]

A beautiful pen indeed! And there were a lot of chanse to buy it extremely cheap! (condidering its retail price)

But does anyone know that apart from well known Dragon & Phoenix and 3 more

- Orges

- Anubis

- Pegasus & Chimera

 

Magical Creatures Maki-e sery has another very rare pen the 5th one! Can any guess which one?

 

if your talking abut the supernatural creatures series, that would be the maya, right?

[evgeny0ukr]

A beautiful pen indeed! And there were a lot of chanse to buy it extremely cheap! (condidering its retail price)

But does anyone know that apart from well known Dragon & Phoenix and 3 more

- Orges

- Anubis

- Pegasus & Chimera

 

Magical Creatures Maki-e sery has another very rare pen the 5th one! Can any guess which one?

 

if your talking abut the supernatural creatures series, that would be the maya, right?

 

I was talking about Kirin. There were only 5 pieces made. And I wonder why so few.

And can you tell me more about Maya?

[tres]

If you go to Visconti's site (www.visconti.it), select the "Catalogue" tab, then select "Limited Editions"; at the bottom scroll until you get to the supernatural series, click on it and the five pens come up with images:

• Anubi
• Pegasus & Chimera
• Maya
• Ogres
• Dragon & Phoenix