Graf von Faber-Castell
For this year’s edition, Graf von Faber-Castell partnered with designer Serdar Gülgün, a renowned expert in Ottoman art. Known for his collaborations with top hotels and brands, Gülgün is dedicated to preserving and reimagining Ottoman design for today’s world. With this pen, he has brought his vision to life, transforming a classic German brand piece into a refined work of art. “I am a translator; I make the old new,” says Gülgün. Through his design, he revives the splendor of Ottoman-inspired “Turquerie,” beautifully connecting Eastern and Western cultures in a fresh, modern way.
The pen’s design immediately recalls the rich artistry of the Ottoman Empire. The cap’s dome shape reflects the iconic tents that once graced European gardens, inspired by blue and white stripes, tassels, and arrow patterns. Designer Serdar Gülgün explains, “These tents inspired the Pen of the Year’s chevron ornaments, set in blue lacquer between platinum-plated strips.” The Ottoman crescent moon on the cap adds a final touch, symbolizing power and prosperity.
The pen’s cap features tassels, echoing the ones Ottoman nobles wore as status symbols—a thoughtful nod to Gülgün’s attention to iconic details. An engraved tortoise on the domed cap end also adds unique meaning, symbolizing longevity and wisdom in Ottoman culture. "The tortoise is my favorite animal," shares Gülgün. The design recalls a tulip-era scene: Ottoman sultans would place candles on tortoise shells, letting them wander through gardens at night, casting a gentle, mystical glow over the flowers—a tribute to slowness and grace.
Inside, the pen’s platinum-plated barrel is adorned with intricate details, reflecting the hidden beauty of Istanbul’s Topkapı Palace. Unscrewing the barrel reveals this decoration—an homage to the secret luxury once kept behind palace walls. Topping it off is an 18k gold nib, ensuring a writing experience as remarkable as the design itself.
The Pen of the Year is a limited edition, with only 315 fountain pens and 85 rollerball pens available worldwide at authorized retailers starting this month.
The pen’s design immediately recalls the rich artistry of the Ottoman Empire. The cap’s dome shape reflects the iconic tents that once graced European gardens, inspired by blue and white stripes, tassels, and arrow patterns. Designer Serdar Gülgün explains, “These tents inspired the Pen of the Year’s chevron ornaments, set in blue lacquer between platinum-plated strips.” The Ottoman crescent moon on the cap adds a final touch, symbolizing power and prosperity.
The pen’s cap features tassels, echoing the ones Ottoman nobles wore as status symbols—a thoughtful nod to Gülgün’s attention to iconic details. An engraved tortoise on the domed cap end also adds unique meaning, symbolizing longevity and wisdom in Ottoman culture. "The tortoise is my favorite animal," shares Gülgün. The design recalls a tulip-era scene: Ottoman sultans would place candles on tortoise shells, letting them wander through gardens at night, casting a gentle, mystical glow over the flowers—a tribute to slowness and grace.
Inside, the pen’s platinum-plated barrel is adorned with intricate details, reflecting the hidden beauty of Istanbul’s Topkapı Palace. Unscrewing the barrel reveals this decoration—an homage to the secret luxury once kept behind palace walls. Topping it off is an 18k gold nib, ensuring a writing experience as remarkable as the design itself.
The Pen of the Year is a limited edition, with only 315 fountain pens and 85 rollerball pens available worldwide at authorized retailers starting this month.
About
Graf von Faber-Castell
Graf von Faber-Castell stands out as a brand steeped in heritage, with origins tracing back to 1761, making it one of the oldest family-owned writing instrument manufacturers in the world. Known for its meticulous German craftsmanship, the brand combines rare materials like fluted precious woods and platinum with functional design, producing pens that are as enduring as they are elegant. Graf von Faber-Castell’s collections, including the iconic Perfect Pencil, capture a refined blend of tradition and innovation, appealing to discerning writers who value both legacy and exceptional quality.