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Techniques and Materials

Techniques and Materials

Our writing instruments are made by master craftsmen using both traditional and modern techniques. Not only are they high performing tools, but also beautiful works of art.

Scrimshaw Technique

Scrimshaw, which was originally used to create refined incisions on small objects, is now used to shape the prestigious fountain pens’ bodies and caps.

Plastic Materials

From the second half of the 20th century on, plastic materials have greatly contributed to the creation of style icons in the pen world.

The process of fusion, molding, or modeling make every acrylic resin fountain pen one of a kind. These writing instruments have vibrant colours and are resistant and affordable.

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Skeleton Technique

For this technique, a metal structure wraps around the pen’s body or cap. The spaces between the metal inlays are filled with different materials. This unique contrast gives a pleasing tactile feeling and a 3-dimensional effect to the writing instrument.

Celluloid

Celluloid is an elastic and unbreakable material. It is shock-resistant and waterproof.

Celluloid fountain pens are hypoallergenic, partly absorb hand moisture, and are some of the most resistant on the market.

Maki-e Technique

Hand painting, or more specifically the Japanese lacquering technique Maki-e, has characterised many of Visconti’s most creative and original pens. These limited editions are made in collaboration with artists from all over the world.

Ebonite

Ebonite, invented by Charles Goodyear, is a resistant material made through the process of vulcanization of natural rubber with a high sulphur content and the addition of mineral and organic substances.

The Filigree Technique

Threads of different dimensions, made through the fusion of gold and silver, are twisted and soldered to a surface. Once the decoration is ready, it is wrapped around a cylindrical support to give it shape and perfectly adapt it to the writing instrument, just like a tailor-made dress.

It takes over 30 hours to complete a single sheet.

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Lava

We are the first company in the handmade fountain pen market to introduce the use of lava.

Lava dust, an ancient material made from volcanic rock, is shatterproof and smooth to the touch, two qualities that make it perfect for the creation of writing instruments.

Lost Wax Casting Technique

This technique, mostly employed in the creation of jewels, is used for jewel-pens such as the Casa Batlló model.

A plaster cast, which includes little openings, is molded around a wax model of the pen. The plaster is left to harden before the mold is exposed to high temperatures which cause the wax to melt and clear out. The empty space is then filled with liquid metal. Once the mold has cooled down enough, the plaster cast is broken away and the inside is freed. The metal positive is polished and reworked to transform it into a unique and precious writing instrument.

Marble

Tuscan marbles are some of the finest in the world and immediately evoke the glory of the Renaissance period. Both the Lorenzo Il Magnifico pen and the Visconti San Miniato collection give full expression to this exquisite material.