ConCoPens Traditional Vietnamese Lacquer Fountain Pen - Aurora X

The ConCoPens Traditional Vietnamese Lacquer Fountain Pen - Aurora X interprets the shifting light of the aurora through hand-applied Vietnamese lacquer and luminous mother-of-pearl inlay. Set against a deep black lacquer surface, slender fragments of iridescent shell arc across the barrel and cap in diagonal, ribbon-like trails. As the pen moves through the light, flashes of green, blue, violet, and silver appear from beneath the polished surface, creating the impression of northern lights crossing a night sky.

The design is visually restrained but technically rich. Rather than covering the entire pen with ornamentation, Aurora X uses carefully placed shell inlays to create motion, contrast, and atmosphere. Each fragment varies naturally in color and reflectivity, giving every example its own subtle character and ensuring that the finish feels handcrafted rather than mechanically repeated.

Craftsmanship & Design

Aurora X is made using traditional Vietnamese lacquer techniques applied over a natural wood core. The process begins with the shaping and preparation of the pen body and cap, followed by repeated applications of natural lacquer. Each layer must be allowed to cure before additional work can continue, gradually building the depth, gloss, and durability that make lacquer so visually compelling.

The mother-of-pearl inlay is the defining artistic element of this design. Thin shell pieces are individually cut, arranged, and embedded into the lacquer to form sweeping diagonal paths across the pen. Additional lacquer layers are then applied and polished by hand, giving the shell the appearance of floating beneath the surface rather than sitting on top of it. This is one of the qualities enthusiasts value most in true lacquer work: the design has dimensional depth, not simply surface decoration.

The warm gold-tone clip and trim add contrast to the dark lacquer and echo the glow of the shell, while the tapered silhouette keeps the overall presentation elegant and balanced. The result is a pen that feels contemporary in its visual language while remaining deeply connected to traditional Vietnamese decorative craftsmanship.

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 X is built as a practical writing instrument as much as an artisan object. The natural wood core keeps the pen comfortable in hand, while the polished lacquer surface provides a smooth, warm tactile feel that differs from acrylic or metal pens. Its proportions offer a substantial presence without becoming unwieldy, making it well suited for regular writing sessions.

The pen is fitted with a German-made gold-plated JoWo #6 stainless steel nib, a widely respected nib platform known for consistency, smoothness, and ease of maintenance. Available in Fine and Medium widths, the JoWo #6 nib gives the Aurora X dependable everyday performance to match its handcrafted exterior. Filling is handled by the included Schmidt piston converter, allowing the use of bottled fountain pen inks with straightforward cleaning and maintenance.

Brand Heritage

ConCoPens was founded to bring traditional Vietnamese lacquer craftsmanship into the world of modern fountain pens. The brand works with natural Vietnamese materials and artisan processes more commonly associated with lacquerware, decorative panels, boxes, and fine craft objects, adapting those methods to a functional writing instrument.

Aurora X reflects that philosophy particularly well. Its design is not an imitation of Japanese raden or a simple decorative coating, but a Vietnamese interpretation of shell inlay and natural lacquer work. For enthusiasts seeking a handcrafted pen with cultural identity, visual depth, and reliable modern writing components, Aurora X offers a compelling bridge between regional artistry and daily writing.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: ConCoPens
• Collection: Traditional Vietnamese Lacquer
• Model: Aurora X
• 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