ConCoPens Traditional Vietnamese Lacquer Fountain Pen - Bolide 2

The ConCoPens Traditional Vietnamese Lacquer Fountain Pen - Bolide 2 is a striking interpretation of Vietnam's centuries-old lacquer tradition, elevated by the luminous beauty of hand-inlaid mother-of-pearl. Set against a deep black lacquer surface, slender ribbons of iridescent shell appear to float beneath the finish, producing flashes of emerald, sapphire, violet, and silver as the pen moves through the light. The effect is both restrained and mesmerizing, evoking meteor trails crossing a midnight sky.

Unlike printed finishes or synthetic shimmer effects, the visual depth of the Bolide 2 is entirely the result of handcrafted techniques and natural materials. Each shell fragment possesses its own color, structure, and reflectivity, giving every pen a distinctive appearance that can never be precisely duplicated. It is a writing instrument that reveals its character gradually, rewarding closer examination with constantly changing patterns and tones.

Craftsmanship & Design

The Bolide 2 is handcrafted using traditional Vietnamese lacquer techniques that have been refined over generations. At its core is carefully selected natural wood, which serves as the foundation for multiple applications of Vietnamese lacquer derived from the sap of the lacquer tree. Each layer is individually cured and polished to gradually build the exceptional depth and luster that distinguish fine lacquerware.

The pen's defining feature is its mother-of-pearl inlay. Thin strips of natural shell are meticulously embedded within the lacquer before additional layers are applied and polished by hand. This process creates remarkable dimensionality, with the shell appearing suspended beneath the surface rather than resting upon it. The interplay between the deep black lacquer and the shifting iridescence of the shell gives the Bolide 2 an understated elegance that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted in traditional craftsmanship.

Enthusiasts are particularly drawn to this type of work because it cannot be industrially replicated with complete uniformity. Variations in shell color, pattern, and placement ensure that each pen possesses an individual character that reflects the artisan's hand.

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 require similarly demanding processes of repeated application, controlled curing, and careful 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 finishes become exceptionally durable and are prized for their longevity and resistance.

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. The techniques remain highly labor intensive and continue to preserve one of Vietnam's most celebrated artistic traditions.

Writing Experience

Beneath its artisanal exterior, the Bolide 2 is designed to be a rewarding daily writer. The elongated, gently tapered profile provides excellent balance in hand, while the lacquered surface offers a smooth, warm tactile experience that feels distinctly different from acrylic or metal writing instruments.

The fountain pen is fitted with a German-made gold-plated JoWo #6 stainless steel nib, a nib platform highly regarded throughout the enthusiast community for its smooth writing characteristics, consistency, and ease of maintenance. Available in Fine and Medium widths, the JoWo nib delivers dependable performance whether used for journaling, correspondence, or extended writing sessions. Filling is accomplished via the included Schmidt piston converter, allowing users to enjoy the versatility and color selection of bottled inks while maintaining straightforward cleaning and maintenance.

Brand Heritage

ConCoPens was founded with the goal of introducing the artistry of traditional Vietnamese lacquerware to modern fountain pen enthusiasts. By pairing time-honored decorative techniques with contemporary fountain pen engineering, the brand creates writing instruments that celebrate Vietnam's artistic heritage while remaining practical tools meant to be enjoyed every day.

The Bolide 2 beautifully reflects this philosophy. The combination of hand-applied natural lacquer, meticulously inlaid mother-of-pearl, and a trusted German-made writing system elevates it beyond an ordinary production pen. It offers enthusiasts an opportunity to experience one of Asia's great decorative traditions in a form that is both highly functional and visually captivating.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: ConCoPens
• Collection: Traditional Vietnamese Lacquer
• Model: Bolide 2
• 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 (Made in Germany)
• Available Nib Sizes: Fine or Medium
• Filling System: Cartridge/Converter
• Converter Included: Schmidt Piston Converter
• Cap Type: Threaded Cap
• Country of Origin: Vietnam