Chinese Pens Show And Tell.

[Helen350]

The Picasso Avignon arrived today, and it is a 'looker.' It is not gaudy, but elegant looking Here are some initial snaps of this pen. I almost do not want to take it out of the beautiful pen box. I've yet to decide which ink I will use for its initial test run. Will require capping for the larger hand. Weight 36g

[bobje]

Picasso really goes all out on packaging! Very interesting design on the clip, Helen. Is it a version of a fleur de lis?

[Helen350]

Picasso really goes all out on packaging! Very interesting design on the clip, Helen. Is it a version of a fleur de lis?

 

No, it's not a fleur de lis. Reminds me of three steps (of a ladder), and at the top between the two sides is some sort of symbol that resembles a fish symbol without the tail, with a raised dot in the center. Beneath the first step is 2 raised dots.

[frankb3]

Those are pretty blatant Frank, are they not?

Yes, but the Monte Mounts are hardly alone in being blatant (but the name is fun).

Jinhao 599 and Yiren 566 are Lamy Safari copies.

Wing Sung 659, Yiren 368, Hero 1202 are Pilot 78g copies

SKB/Penton F12 is a Pilot Plumix copy

Delike Classic Alpha is a Kaweco Brass Sport copy

Lingmo Lorelei, Jinhao 992, Wing Sung 9133 are copies of Sailor Procolor

Hero 9300, Jinhao 601, Baoer 388, Dika Wen 890 copies of Parker Sonnets (including the arrow clip).

Edited July 25, 2017 by frankb3

[Ian the Jock]

Yes, but the Monte Mounts are hardly alone in being blatant (but the name is fun).

Jinhao 599 and Yiren 566 are Lamy Safari copies.

Wing Sung 659, Yiren 368, Hero 1202 are Pilot 78g copies

SKB/Penton F12 is a Pilot Plumix copy

Delike Classic Alpha is a Kaweco Brass Sport copy

Lingmo Lorelei, Jinhao 992, Wing Sung 9133 are copies of Sailor Procolor

Hero 9300, Jinhao 601, Baoer 388, Dika Wen copies of Parker Sonnets (including the arrow clip).

Frank

Please don't think I was having a go, as that was never my intention.

I was merely having a fun poke at the name and obvious-ness of the pen.

I am a big fan of Chinese pens, and have many, including several copy/knock off/tribute pens or whatever people want to call them, in fact even a few that you mentioned above, and I apologise if I appeared untoward in my reply.

 

Ian

[Ian the Jock]

 

No, it's not a fleur de lis. Reminds me of three steps (of a ladder), and at the top between the two sides is some sort of symbol that resembles a fish symbol without the tail, with a raised dot in the center. Beneath the first step is 2 raised dots.

 

Helen

It's bound to be some kind of reference to Picassos' artwork.

Parts of images or well known artworks (peace dove, dream woman etc) seem to be the norm on all Picasso nibs, clips, finials etc and this image is probably another.

I'll need to get out my Pablo Picasso handbook and find out what it's all about.

 

Oh, and by the way Helen

YER NEW PEN'S A BEAUT.

 

IAN

[bobje]

Seele, our friend, Chinese pen aficionado, and Fountain Pen Network contributor, is now doing YouTube videos. He has a terrific new piece on the Golden Star 28. Check it out. I had no idea that Hero bought out the Golden Star design, that numbers defined a pen category with multiple brands using the same number, and that there are knockoffs created just for rural areas. Wild.

 

[Mech-for-i]

Actually those Gold Star 28 variant so to speak are not knock off. They are more licensed production with technique transfer the by product of planned economy and they certainly contribute some interesting one themselves like the transparent ink window which is not on the Gold Star

[Ian the Jock]

This one has been "on the cards" since I discovered Chinese fountain pens, which was when I discovered fountain pens in general.

No doubt many will think that I've lost the plot, but hey, Pens are fun..

It is a bit of a nonsense pen, and waaay overly ornate, but I always fancied getting one, even for the novelty value if nothing else, as it really couldn't be expected to function properly as a pen.........could it?

 

THE JINHAO PEARL DRAGON

 

 

Whoaah. Ornate or what?. It certainly ticks the ornate Chinese pen box for starters, and is definitely original.

So! can it do what it's supposed to do, and write? Without the requirement for Ray-Bans and an arm brace.

 

 

Yes it can, and it's not as uncomfortable or unwieldy as I expected it to be, and the looks have grown on me....Ok it's still not the best on the eye, but it's getting there.

 

 

Not convinced? Ha,ha,ha,ha, I'm not quite sure I am yet either, but it does write very nicely, would be a bit of a conversation starter, and cost about the same as a fish supper from our local chippy, so not all bad.

It is also quite comfortable to use, despite its' hefty weight, as it sits quite well in my hand, however, smaller hands mind find it overly cumbersome and the overlay intrusive.

 

 

It is a pen that certainly stands out, as you can see from this pic..

 

 

So! Probably not many folks cup of Assam, but then it's not really mine either, but that's the joy of this hobby.

You snap something up just for the sake of it (which only cost a few quid) and you form an odd unexpected affinity for for it and regardless of whether you use it every day or not....It puts a smile on yer face...What a brilliant hobby.

 

One last pic, just in case you had forgotten what it looks like.

 

 

ITJ.

[Bluey]

Nice! Is that your first dragon/snake pen, Ian?

[Chrissy]

Yip, both Parker-esque in looks Helen.

I actually found a chrome and rose gold version first, which was nice too, but I thought the gunmetal and rose gold would look more striking.

I am a sucker for rose gold.

 

Ian

 

 

Edited to fix predictive text error.

Bl×××y modern technology.

 

I am also a sucker for rose gold and love the look of that Hero

[Helen350]

WOW!! That pen will surely catch the eyes of a non-FP user. Ian, now that Delta looks stunning (for real). Thanks for sharing your beautiful pen collection. I love how our Picasso 915 can hold its own.

[Ian the Jock]

Nice! Is that your first dragon/snake pen, Ian?

It is, but I think one of those black and gold snake jobs will be on the hitlist now.

[Ian the Jock]

WOW!! That pen will surely catch the eyes of a non-FP user. Ian, now that Delta looks stunning (for real). Thanks for sharing your beautiful pen collection. I love how our Picasso 915 can hold its own.

Thanks Helen

Yes, I love my Deltas, their broad nibs are fantastic, and they are gorgeous pens.

Oh yes! The big Picasso certainly holds its own amongst some pretty illustrious company, and not just in looks either.

 

Ian

[Ian the Jock]

 

I am also a sucker for rose gold and love the look of that Hero

Chrissy

When I get 5 minutes I'll do an S&T on the Hero.

It's a very nice pen (sonnet homage) and it writes beautifully.

The rose gold really stands out against the gunmetal.

 

Ian

[Bluey]

It is, but I think one of those black and gold snake jobs will be on the hitlist now.

I would suggest one like this

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jinhao-Snake-Series-Fountain-Pen-Black-Lacquer-with-Antique-Grey-Overlay-/371914641935?hash=item5697d7120f:g:l4YAAOSwq5pXPykv

 

I think in gold or silver it would look a bit too much but in grey it's more balanced.

Edited July 27, 2017 by Bluey

[Ian the Jock]

Aye

Of the 3, the grey looks the best.

Duly added to "possibly next" list.

 

Ian

[Helen350]

Ian, found another interesting Picasso. Picasso Dreamy Polka

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/kcwAAOSw9GhYdEm6/s-l1600.jpg

[bobje]

Ian,

yes, the Jinhao Pearl Dragon is indeed attractive in yellow gold. But my opinion is that it would be far classier in rhodium. The nib needs to be all in a matching rhodium color, of course. Also, here is my opinion about the ball at the end of the finial, held by the talons. It appears to a shade of green, possibly dark jade. Personally, I would do a mod on the finial, drilling it out from the inside and then illuminating it from within, using a tiny LED light. A green finial is OK, but you might consider lapis. These are only my humble opinions. Other than that, nice pen.

Bob

[Ian the Jock]

Ian, found another interesting Picasso. Picasso Dreamy Polka

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/kcwAAOSw9GhYdEm6/s-l1600.jpg

Yes, I've seen this one Helen.

I particularly like the look of the section and nib, but overall it's just a wee bit "girlie" for me.

Please note.

I am in no way trying to offend anyone or appear non PC with that statement.

 

It is a very nice pen though Helen.

 

Ian