ConCoPens Traditional Vietnamese Lacquer Fountain Pen - Aurora

The ConCoPens Traditional Vietnamese Lacquer Fountain Pen - Aurora captures the ethereal beauty of the aurora through a striking composition of deep black Vietnamese lacquer and shimmering mother-of-pearl inlay. Slender vertical strips of iridescent shell rise across the cap and barrel like cascading pillars of light, creating an effect reminiscent of the Aurora Borealis as it dances across a dark night sky. Depending on the angle of the light, the shell reveals flashes of emerald, violet, blue, and gold, giving the pen a constantly changing appearance that rewards close observation.

Rather than relying on elaborate ornamentation, Aurora achieves its visual impact through restraint and rhythm. The carefully spaced shell inlays create a sense of movement and luminosity, allowing the natural materials themselves to become the focal point. The result is a fountain pen that feels both contemporary and timeless, showcasing the remarkable visual depth that can only be achieved through traditional lacquer craftsmanship.

Craftsmanship & Design

Aurora is handcrafted using traditional Vietnamese lacquer techniques over a natural wood core. The body and cap receive multiple applications of natural lacquer, with each layer requiring controlled curing and hand polishing before the next stage can begin. This painstaking process gradually develops the remarkable depth, gloss, and tactile warmth that distinguish true lacquer from conventional painted finishes.

The mother-of-pearl inlay is individually cut and carefully embedded into the lacquer surface by skilled artisans. Additional layers of lacquer are then applied over the shell and polished by hand, creating the illusion that the iridescent fragments are suspended beneath the surface rather than resting on top of it. The effect is particularly captivating on Aurora, where the vertical shell elements appear almost like beams of light emerging from the darkness of the lacquer itself.

The deep black finish serves as a dramatic backdrop for the shell, while the warm gold-tone trim and clip introduce contrast and balance. Because natural shell varies in color and reflectivity, no two examples are exactly alike, giving each pen its own individual character and subtle variations.

Vietnamese Lacquer vs. Japanese Urushi

One of the most common questions surrounding ConCoPens is how Vietnamese lacquer compares to Japanese Urushi. Both are considered true Asian lacquers derived from natural tree sap and have been used for centuries to create decorative objects of exceptional beauty and durability.

Japanese Urushi is produced from the sap of the lacquer tree, Toxicodendron vernicifluum, and contains a natural compound called urushiol. Vietnamese lacquer originates from the sap of the Vietnamese lacquer tree, Toxicodendron succedaneum, and is primarily composed of a related compound known as laccol. Although chemically distinct, both lacquers undergo a similarly demanding process of repeated application, controlled curing, and hand polishing to achieve their remarkable depth and luster.

Because the trees belong to the same botanical family, individuals with known sensitivities to urushi should understand that Vietnamese lacquer cannot be considered inherently hypoallergenic. However, once fully cured, both lacquers become extraordinarily durable finishes prized for their resistance and longevity.

Vietnamese lacquer is not a simplified version of Japanese Urushi, nor is it an imitation of it. Rather, it represents its own rich artistic tradition with a particular emphasis on layered color, luminous depth, and decorative techniques such as shell inlay. The affordability of many Vietnamese lacquer pens generally reflects differences in workshop scale, labor economics, and market positioning rather than any reduction in craftsmanship or authenticity.

Writing Experience

Aurora is designed to be appreciated both as an artisan object and as a dependable daily writer. The natural wood construction keeps the pen comfortable in hand, while the polished lacquer surface offers a warmth and tactile quality that differs noticeably from acrylic or metal-bodied pens. Its proportions feel balanced and substantial without becoming cumbersome during longer writing sessions.

The pen is fitted with a German-made gold-plated JoWo #6 stainless steel nib, a highly regarded nib platform known among enthusiasts for its consistency, smoothness, and reliability. Available in Fine and Medium widths, the JoWo #6 nib delivers controlled ink flow and a refined writing experience suitable for everything from daily journaling to signatures and correspondence. Filling is handled by the included Schmidt piston converter, allowing the use of bottled fountain pen inks while providing straightforward maintenance and cleaning.

Brand Heritage

ConCoPens was founded with the vision of introducing traditional Vietnamese lacquer artistry to modern fountain pen enthusiasts. Drawing upon techniques more commonly associated with lacquer paintings, decorative objects, and heirloom craftwork, the brand adapts these centuries-old methods into functional writing instruments that celebrate Vietnam's artistic heritage.

Aurora exemplifies this philosophy particularly well. Its luminous shell inlay and deep natural lacquer finish demonstrate how traditional Vietnamese materials and techniques can be interpreted in a contemporary form while retaining their authenticity and cultural identity. For enthusiasts seeking something beyond conventional production pens, Aurora offers a compelling intersection of handcrafted artistry, natural materials, and dependable modern writing performance.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: ConCoPens
• Collection: Traditional Vietnamese Lacquer
• Model: Aurora
• Body Material: Hand-applied Vietnamese natural lacquer with mother-of-pearl shell inlay over a natural wood core
• Trim: Gold-tone
• Nib Material: Gold-Plated JoWo #6 Stainless Steel Nib
• Available Nib Sizes: Fine or Medium
• Filling System: Cartridge/Converter
• Converter Included: Schmidt Piston Converter
• Cap Type: Threaded Cap
• Country of Origin: Vietnam