ConCoPens Traditional Vietnamese Lacquer Fountain Pen - Ocean Serenade 2

The ConCoPens Traditional Vietnamese Lacquer Fountain Pen - Ocean Serenade 2 captures the quiet rhythm of moonlight dancing across dark waters. Against a deep black lacquer background, meticulously arranged ribbons of iridescent mother-of-pearl rise and fall like shimmering ocean waves, while scattered fragments of shell sparkle like stars reflected upon the sea. As light moves across the pen, flashes of emerald, sapphire, violet, and silver emerge from beneath the lacquer, creating an ever-changing display of depth and brilliance.

Far more than a decorative writing instrument, the Ocean Serenade 2 is a celebration of Vietnam's centuries-old lacquer artistry. Each pen is handcrafted using traditional techniques and natural materials, resulting in a finish that feels alive with movement and impossible to fully appreciate in a single glance. Every piece of shell possesses its own natural color and structure, ensuring that no two examples are ever precisely alike.

Craftsmanship & Design

The Ocean Serenade 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 by hand, gradually building the remarkable depth and luminous finish that distinguish fine lacquerware. The entire process requires patience and precision, with each stage contributing to the extraordinary visual richness of the final piece.

The pen's signature feature is its intricate mother-of-pearl inlay. Delicate strips of natural shell are meticulously embedded within the lacquer, forming a rhythmic pattern that evokes waves gently cresting upon a moonlit sea. Additional layers of lacquer are then applied and hand-polished, creating the impression that the shell is suspended beneath the surface rather than resting upon it. The result is exceptional dimensionality and a captivating sense of movement that changes with every angle and source of light.

Because the shell material itself is entirely natural, each fragment reflects light differently. Variations in color, iridescence, and pattern ensure that every Ocean Serenade 2 possesses its own individual character, bearing the unmistakable evidence of true hand craftsmanship rather than industrial production.

Unlike traditional raden designs that often depict landscapes, flora, or fauna, the Ocean Serenade 2 adopts a more modern artistic language, using precisely arranged shell inlays to evoke the visual rhythm of music and sound.

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 mother-of-pearl and 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 Ocean Serenade 2 is designed to be an exceptional everyday writer. The elongated, gently tapered profile feels naturally balanced in hand, while the lacquered surface provides a warm, organic tactile experience distinct 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 among fountain pen enthusiasts 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, note-taking, or signatures. Filling is accomplished via the included Schmidt piston converter, allowing users to enjoy the versatility and endless color possibilities 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. Each pen undergoes more than twenty meticulous stages of craftsmanship and is created using natural materials sourced from Vietnam's rich lacquer traditions.

The Ocean Serenade 2 beautifully reflects this philosophy. The combination of hand-applied natural lacquer, shimmering mother-of-pearl inlay, 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 writing instrument that feels simultaneously contemporary, timeless, and deeply connected to the natural beauty that inspired its design.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: ConCoPens
• Collection: Traditional Vietnamese Lacquer
• Model: Ocean Serenade 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