Montblanc push the artistic boundaries with the new Montblanc High Artistry, A Celebration of the Taj Mahal Editions which celebrates the rich artistic traditions of the Mughal dynasty in India and the influence of one of its most enlightened rulers, Shah Jahan …
Under the rule of the great emperor, Mughal art and architecture reached its zenith with the construction of the Taj Mahal of Agra. The monumental tomb was commissioned by the ruler as a declaration of love to his late wife Mumtaz who died in childbirth, and has become an enduring symbol of the magnificence of Indian culture. The latest High Artistry edition evokes the opulence of Mughal ornament and jewellery making, and its influence on Western craftsmanship. The elaborate writing masterpieces are inspired by the brilliant regalia of the maharajas, meticulously set with sparkling stones to achieve a level of rarity and sophistication.
The Montblanc High Artistry, A Celebration of the Taj Mahal collection is made up of three different precious writing instruments, each limited to just one piece worldwide, making it one-of-a-kind.
Many techniques have been used to bring to life the fascinating world of the Mughal from stone cutting and setting to hand engraving, enamelling and elaborate gold work. While materials and gemstones may be different from one edition to the next, each one features a slightly curved shape inspired by a traditional Mughal dagger, an insignia of power. The cap top is reminiscent of the dome of the Taj Mahal, built during the Golden Age of the Mughals. The forepart of the pen features an intricate display of traditional Mughal decorations – India’s famous landmark. While the edition does not feature a clip, a peacock feather adorns the front of the writing instrument, a reference to the peacock throne made for Shah Jahan in the early 17th century. Featuring two open gilded peacock’s tails set with diamonds, rubies and other precious gemstones, it was regarded as one of the most magnificent throne ever made.
Limited Edition 1 Black Myth
The striking black and white design scheme of this edition is inspired by the legend that Shah Jahan planned to build himself a mirror image of the Taj Mahal, only in black. It was supposedly intended to stand on the opposite side of the Yamuna River from his wife’s resting place.
Decorated in black and white, it is made from white gold and encrusted with black sapphires and brilliant-cut diamonds. The crown cap gets one 6.24-karat brilliant-cut diamond. The peacock feather is set with individual diamonds totaling about 13.68 carats, and its center is adorned with a round opal cabochon that may be detached to reveal a lotus flower in the mother-of-pearl marquetry beneath. The 18-karat yellow gold pen nib is engraved with two lovebirds and is set with a brilliant-cut diamond.
Limited Edition 1 Insignia of Power
The name of this edition draws inspiration from the symbolism of the dagger in the Mughal tradition as an insignia of power. Shah Jahan received a personal dagger from his own father at the time of his crowning to confirm his powerful status.
Made from 18-karat yellow gold and decorated with rough rubies set in a style reminiscent of traditional Kundan stone setting. The peacock feather is set with baguette and individual-cut diamonds, approximately 16.78 karats, with the centre adorned with an engraved 2.45 karat ruby cabochon that can be detached to reveal a miniature enamel painting of a daisy beneath, traditional symbol of true love.
The nib is made of solid 18-karat gold engraved with two lovebirds and set with a brilliant-cut diamond.
Limited Edition 1 Tears of the Moon
At the Mughal court and throughout the empire, emeralds had a special name and meaning. Called “Tears of the Moon” because of their mysterious green fire ranging from lunar opacity to clear transparency, emeralds were often inscribed with sacred text. These dynastic heirlooms passed from father to son, were worn as personal talismans.
Made of 18-karat yellow gold and adorned with rubies, emeralds and diamonds that are set in a style reminiscent of traditional Kundan stone setting. At its centre is a 10 karat step-cut emerald with the peacock feather set with square and individual-cut diamonds; approx. 14.79 ct.; centre adorned with an individual rose cut diamond, detachable to reveal a miniature enamel painting of a bird beneath.
Like the other two versions the nib is again made of 18-karat gold adorned with two love birds and set with a tsavorite.
Priced from €1.8 to €2 million, with the other less ornate Taj Mahal inspired writing instruments; the Limited Edition 76, 10 and 5 priced at EUR 49,000 – EUR 550,000.
