ConCoPens Traditional Vietnamese Lacquer Fountain Pen - Bolide

The ConCoPens Traditional Vietnamese Lacquer Fountain Pen - Bolide captures the brilliance and motion of a celestial object streaking across the night sky. Against a deep black lacquer foundation, shimmering mother-of-pearl segments sweep diagonally across the cap and barrel in luminous ribbons, while subtle crimson flecks appear suspended beneath the polished surface like distant stars and glowing cosmic dust. The result is a pen that feels dynamic and atmospheric while remaining refined and elegant in hand.

Bolide does not seek to depict a meteor literally. Instead, it conveys the sensation of movement, light, and fleeting beauty through carefully arranged shell inlay and layered lacquer. As the pen rotates under changing light, the mother-of-pearl shifts between silver, green, blue, pink, and violet, creating an ever-changing visual experience that rewards close observation. The interplay between darkness and iridescence gives the pen remarkable dimensionality and depth.

Craftsmanship & Design

Bolide is handcrafted using traditional Vietnamese lacquer techniques over a natural wood core. Multiple layers of natural lacquer are meticulously applied, cured, and polished by hand, gradually building the depth and gloss that distinguish authentic lacquer work from ordinary painted finishes. This labor-intensive process creates a remarkably smooth surface with visual depth that seems to extend beneath the pen itself.

The mother-of-pearl inlay is carefully embedded within the lacquer rather than applied on top of it. Each shell fragment is individually placed to form flowing, diagonal bands that suggest the brilliant trail of a meteor crossing the night sky. Small crimson inclusions scattered throughout the lacquer further enhance the celestial character of the design, introducing warmth and movement against the dark foundation.

Because the shell placement and lacquer finishing are completed entirely by hand, each Bolide fountain pen exhibits subtle variations in pattern and iridescence. This individuality is one of the defining qualities of handcrafted lacquer pens and forms a meaningful part of their appeal among enthusiasts and collectors.

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 resilience 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 accessibility 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

Bolide is designed to function as both an artisan object and a dependable writing instrument. The natural wood construction keeps the pen comfortably lightweight, while the polished lacquer surface offers a warm and smooth tactile quality that differs noticeably from acrylic or metal-bodied fountain pens.

The pen is fitted with a German-made gold-plated JoWo #6 stainless steel nib, a highly respected nib platform known for its consistency, smoothness, and reliability. Available in Fine and Medium widths, the nib delivers controlled ink flow and a pleasant writing experience suitable for journaling, correspondence, and everyday use. Filling is handled by the included Schmidt piston converter, allowing convenient use with bottled fountain pen inks and straightforward maintenance.

Brand Heritage

ConCoPens was founded to introduce traditional Vietnamese lacquer artistry to modern fountain pen enthusiasts. By adapting techniques historically associated with lacquer paintings and decorative objects into writing instruments, the brand preserves regional craftsmanship while creating pens intended to be used and appreciated daily.

Bolide reflects this philosophy through its layered natural lacquer, hand-laid mother-of-pearl inlay, and celestial-inspired design language. The combination of authentic Vietnamese decorative techniques and dependable German writing components creates a fountain pen that feels simultaneously artistic, practical, and distinctly individual.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: ConCoPens
• Collection: Traditional Vietnamese Lacquer
• Model: Bolide
• Body Material: Hand-applied Vietnamese natural lacquer with mother-of-pearl 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