Pierrot and Pierrette
Pierrot and Pierrette
The Pierrot and Pierrette Collection is the sixth in the David Oscarson™ series of Limited Edition writing instruments. Produced in two color variations, each will be limited to production of 88 pieces (including fountain pens and roller balls).
The legend of Pierrot and Pierrette began in the 17th century when Jean-Antoine Watteau committed to canvas two clowns who were later made famous by the Italian Commedia dell’arte. This timeless Duo was then adapted to French pantomime where Pierrot is a noble and fun-loving clown; he is lonely and in love with the beautiful Pierrette, whose affections run hot and cold. When his affections are returned, they can be seen sitting together on the crescent of the moon. When she ignores him, Pierrot sits on the moon by himself, strumming his mandolin and pining for his beloved Pierrette.
In the spirit of artistic mastery and the tradition of Old World craftsmanship, this inspiring Collection combines the centuries-old technique of Guilloché with the art and expertise of Hard Enamel. The Pierrot and Pierrette Collection is the first to incorporate three levels of Guilloché and five colors of translucent and opalescent (white) or opaque (black) hard enamel on each Collection piece. In keeping with the neutral backgrounds, the Duo is finished in Rhodium vermeil.
Guilloché
Hand-crafted from 18-karat gold and .925 Sterling Silver, each precious metal component passes through multiple stages of precision engraving, creating an intricate pattern known as guilloché; a painstaking process which brings life and light to the surface of precious metals.
The Art Deco design of this Limited Edition requires three separate stages of engraving. The entire body of the pen is first cut down to the level of the background, leaving the outlines of the overlapping circles in high relief. The canvas pattern is then engraved onto the surface of the body of the pen (seen only on the Pierrette). The third stage of engraving applies the sunburst motif to the surface of each circle, maintaining the focal point center in high relief.
Hard Enamel
Using a mortar and pestle, a composition of glass, water and metal oxides is ground for hours by hand. When settled, the water is removed, leaving the fine paste that is the basis for hard enamel. A quill is then used to apply each coat of the mixture to the surface of the metal, ensuring that the entire guilloché area is completely covered in enamel. The components are then fired in a furnace at temperatures exceeding 1,000° F, fusing the enamel to the metal and forming a layer of glass.
After cooling, the pieces are manually ground with a diamond file, restoring their proper shape and surface. This tedious process is repeated at length until the level of enamel reaches the depth required to cover the peaks and fill the valleys of each intricate guilloché pattern. When the final stages of firing are completed, the pieces are polished and buffed, revealing the velvet finish of translucent hard enamel.
Production of translucent hard enamel demands the highest levels of patience, experience and skill. A five-year apprenticeship is required to ensure that the highest levels of quality will be met in each individual Collection piece.
Diamonds
Each Pierrot and Pierrette piece is set with three VVS-1 diamonds (.016 carats each): one in the top of the crown, one in the bottom of the barrel and one in the clip.
Filling System
The Pierrot and Pierrette’s unique filling system accommodates a cartridge, converter or eyedropper fill; a series of seals and “O” rings prevents the ink from leaving the chamber at any point. A roller ball version of the Duo is also available.
Engineered in Heidelberg, Germany, the 18-karat gold nib is unsurpassed in quality and form. Coupled with an ebonite feeder, each nib is plated with rhodium and tipped with iridium to ensure durability in fine, medium and broad sizes.
The Pierrot and Pierrette Collection will be produced in two color variations:
Opaque Black and Translucent Red, White, Green and Blue Hard Enamel with Rhodium Vermeil
Opalescent White and Translucent Yellow, Blue, Green and Red Hard Enamel with Rhodium Vermeil
