The Legend Of Zodiacs
The Montblanc Signs & Symbols, released annually since 2015, comprises two distinct lines: The Legend of Zodiacs and A Journey Among Dragons. The first one celebrates the zodiac sign of the year and the second one pays homage to mythical creatures and their powers. Both draw attention to Montblanc’s exquisite artistry in pen making, and each is a talisman in its own way.
Chinese New Year – sometimes called the Lunar New Year – has deep roots in Chinese history and mythology. Chinese Zodiac or Sheng Xiao is based on a twelve-year cycle, which is the time it takes Jupiter to travel around the sun. During the Han Dynasty (202 BC to 220 AD), each Chinese Zodiac year was paired to an animal that represents the qualities of the people born under that sign.
The animals themselves are organized by group of three per season and compass direction: Tiger, rabbit and dragon are associated with Spring and the East; snake, horse and sheep go with Summer ant the South; monkey, rooster and dog stand for Autumn and the West; while pig, rat and buffalo relate to Winter and the North.
In 2021, Montblanc dedicates the Legend of the Zodiac series to the Year of the Ox. Being the second animal in the Chinese zodiac, the bull represents strength, determination, reliability, and justice. People born under the sign of the ox are said to be responsible and hardworking, needing to finish everything they start.
Presenting the items from the Signs and Symbols collection, Montblanc turns for inspiration to myths and legends which have been remaining significant in the culture of the East and the whole world to this day.
Zodiac “Ox” Limited Edition
Since 2021 is the Year of the Ox, which occupies the second position in the Chinese zodiac, the Ag 925 sterling silver cap of the pen is hand engraved with a fine representation of an ox, along with corncobs – representing the harvest – corn is the symbol of rewards of hard work, as well as wealth and fertility and clouds above signifying good luck. In contrast the champagne-tone gold-coated barrel is adorned with delicately engraved ornaments inspired by the “lucky cloud” and “sycee” (a type of ingot) – both symbols of luck in China.
The gold-coated cone of the pen is set with an aquamarine – the birthstone of the ox sign. The engraving on the cap ring shows the current year 2021, as well as six previous ox years. The ox and corn motif also decorates the handcrafted champagne tone-gold coated Au750 solid gold nib as a fine engraving. The cap is crowned with the Montblanc emblem in mother-of-pearl .
The number of pens in the edition is in recognition of the lucky number eight: 8 x 8 x 8 = 512 – the total.
A leather notebook, 925 sterling silver ox-inspired cufflinks, and a special yellow gold ink were also introduced in conjunction with the Year of the Ox Pen Collection.
Launch 2020
Limitation:
Fountain Pens 512
Fountain Pen
Cufflinks
