S. T. DUPONT 2009 Shanghai XL President Limited Edition 1088 Fountain Pen

  

DUPONT 2009 Neo-Classique XL President Shanghai Limited Edition 1088 Fountain Pen. Dupont 18k-750 Medium (M) mono-tone yellow gold nib w/ S. Dupont Shanghai, a limited edition black lacquer and gold dust oversized (16.5cm capped) fountain pen, no. 0535/1088, 2009, the Medium (M) nib stamped 18K 750, uninked. A mix of very sophisticated placed lacquer "rain" on the cap and an added filigree metallic part "waves" on the bottom of the pen.

A subtle pale gold effect ornaments the black lacquer. Eight citrine stones are set on the clip of the pen; 8 being a lucky number in Chinese culture. The Citrine stone is a fine gem from the quartz family that has a warm yellow colour and is believed to have healing properties. The Shanghai is the first Limited Edition range of pens to use the Néo-Classique XL format (Président). The top of the cap is signed with a rhodium D monogram in celadon lacquer and the bottom of the pen is engraved with the happiness ideogram.

The concerned pen has never been used nor inked. Comes with outer box, display box, papers, literature.

The inner lining of the display box is slightly deteriorated. The pen looks great, stylish and modern.

Excerpt from the accompanying booklet. In the 1920s, Shanghai, which was also known as "the Pearl of the Orient", was the scene of a tremendous cultural blossoming which contributed to its mythical aura.

At that time, Shanghai, which was one of the few ports in China that were open to the outside world, had become a flourishing financial and artistic centre. Europeans, Russians, Japanese and Americans mixed with the Chinese in what was a cosmopolitan, vibrant society. This fascinating blend of cultures created a city whose streets and buildings combined aspects of neogothic, Art Deco, Victorian and neoclassical style in an atmosphere that was unique in the world. This mysterious city symbolised the meeting between East and West.

To foreigners, it was the very embodiment of opulence, decadence and exotic luxury. It was also a source of inspiration for European artists and craftsmen, such as Jean Dunand and Gaston Suisse, who reinterpreted its aesthetics and ancestral techniques, such as Chinese lacquerwork, to create magnificent works of art. The skill of applying Chinese lacquer to metal has linked S. Dupont with the Far East since the 1920s.

With this limited edition Shanghai, S. Dupont has chosen to pay homage both to this unique city and the work of the European designers of the 1930s. This exclusive range reflects the fantastical China that Europeans dream of. Adorned with decorative elements inspired by both Art Deco and Chinese culture, the products of this limited edition demonstrate the magnificent skills of S. Dupont's master lacquer workers and precious metalsmiths.

Gold dust intensifies the brilliance of the pale gold on the intense black lacquer. On the pen and lighter, waves - a traditional motif in Chinese culture - are combined to a contemporary yet poetic design that is evocative of rain. In Chinese culture, the number 8 is considered to be a talisman of good fortune.

For that reason, eight citrine gemstones of the sun's colour have been set by hand in to each item. The products are also numbered out of 1088 to bring good luck.

Like a seal, a Chinese character representing good fortune hallmarks each product. Taking luxury and refinement still further, S. Dupont has created an exclusive Diamant level with an exceptional and rare lighter and pen. They combine an engraved piece in solid white gold set with sparkling diamonds, celadon green lacquer and a mixture of jades and alexandrites - stones that symbolise power. These two items are produced in a very limited number.

Thank you for your cooperation in making my service efficient and relatively free of risk. If you have any questions, please feel free to message me for more information. We use only high quality materials such as double wall cardboard boxes, extra large buble wrap, polypropylene packaging tape, pvc pipe with high resistance. We are at your disposal for any further information.

We usually reply e-mails within the same day, but please allow do bear in mind that our time zone differences might cause a slight delay.