The Graf von Faber-Castell Pen of the Year 2022 explores Aztec imagery through its skull-patterned barrel, obsidian grip, and turquoise-set ends.
The Aztec Empire grew from an alliance of three city-states formed in 1428 in what is now Mexico. This edition explores its culture and religious rites through rows of skulls on an anthracite-gray, DLC-coated metal barrel. The motif recalls the skull walls of the Templo Mayor and the human sacrifices offered to the gods to ensure the sun’s return.
Smooth, dark obsidian forms the grip. The Aztecs used this volcanic stone for swords and arrowheads and gave it spiritual significance. Turquoise, another prized material, decorates the barrel end and cap top with engravings of the god of the dead and an eagle. The ribbed, cactus-shaped cap recalls the founding legend in which an eagle on a cactus marked the site of the Aztecs’ new home.
A handmade, ruthenium-coated 18k gold nib continues the dark finish. The fountain pen uses a piston filling system for bottled ink, with an ink-level window at the barrel end. It has a screw-on cap and a solid metal clip.
Made in Germany, it measures 135.6 mm capped and weighs 83 g with the cap. Each of the 375 individually numbered fountain pens comes in a polished black wooden box with a brochure and authenticity certificate. An additional insert has room for six other writing instruments.
The skulls recall the Templo Mayor’s skull walls and the sacrifices offered to ensure the sun’s return. The cactus-shaped cap refers to the founding legend in which an eagle on a cactus marked the site of the Aztecs’ new home.
DLC stands for diamond-like carbon. It is the surface coating on the anthracite-gray metal barrel.
The Aztecs used obsidian for swords and arrowheads and gave it spiritual significance; it forms the grip here. Turquoise was another prized material and decorates the barrel end and cap top, engraved with the god of the dead and an eagle.
A window at the barrel end shows the ink level. The pen uses a piston filling system for bottled ink.
A polished black wooden box, brochure, and authenticity certificate are included. An additional insert has room for six other writing instruments.
Yes, we are an Official Graf von Faber-Castell Authorized Dealer, and an authorized dealer for every brand we carry.
With over 15 years in the luxury market, we guarantee the authenticity and quality of every piece we sell.
Your order arrives brand new in its original Graf von Faber-Castell packaging, with all official documentation and the Graf von Faber-Castell warranty card, stamped and dated by us.
The warranty covers manufacturing defects. It doesn't cover normal wear and tear or accidental damage — and on watches, it doesn't cover straps, bracelets, or batteries.
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