Sure, you could use a simple ballpoint pen—but where’s the fun in that? These five fountain pens blur the line between writing tool and art object, combining exceptional craftsmanship with design that speaks for itself.
A fountain pen is so much more than a vintage novelty or relic from the past. It’s also a form of self-expression: a collectible piece of impeccable craftsmanship that often lasts a lifetime, made to be passed down through generations. And if you’re after a subtle yet unmistakably luxe status symbol, this writing instrument delivers. It signals one thing clearly: your taste is anything but ordinary.
While there are countless beautiful pens in the world, some stand apart as true works of art—pieces where form and function meet at the highest level. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious enthusiast, the five pens below are worthy of a place in your collection.
READ ALSO: Fountain Pens: Mightier Than The Sword
Nakaya Pens
Not a particular pen model, but Nakaya pens are some of the most coveted ones in the world, as almost every avid collector wants at least one in their collection. These bespoke writing instruments are created by expert Japanese craftsmen who once worked in Platinum—a popular pen company that’s been around since 1919.
The one-of-a-kind Nakaya pens were so exclusive that they were only available through mail order for a number of years. Fortunately, the brand decided to establish an official website for those interested in ordering custom or pre-made pieces from them.
The pens are made using a variety of time and labor-intensive techniques like lacquering and in-laying. The most popular material used is the lacquer called urushi, which is made from an expensive tree sap.
“For your hand only” is the brand’s motto, and they stay true to it by giving customers free rein over the pen-making process. Buyers can choose their preferred materials, pen-making method, pen dimensions, colors, patterns, finish, and nib (they have a selection of nibs that range from 14K gold to stainless steel). The price of each pen will vary depending on the nature of an order.
Montblanc Writers Edition Homage to Jane Austen
Montblanc is a brand that needs no introductions with its reputation for making some of the finest writing instruments money can buy. Though its recognizable Meisterstück pens remain timeless signatures of the brand, they continue to innovate with a plethora of fresh, culturally relevant designs. Among the luxury pen brands that release limited editions, Montblanc has one of the most extensive portfolios. They’ve created a vast collection of exclusive pens that pay tribute to famous people, places, and the arts.
Its Writers Edition series, in particular, has consistently produced gorgeous pens that don’t skimp on details when it comes to honoring the literary minds they’re named after. Take the latest Homage to Jane Austen fountain pen, with its classical column embellishments reminiscent of Regency era elegance; barrel featuring the writer’s signature; and a resin cap with a lovely braided clip (which is meant to look like the cord of a “reticule,” a type of drawstring bag used by women in the 1800s to carry their grooming essentials).
All of these elements culminate in a silhouette that resembles a wax seal stamp. The cap ring is engraved with the Roman numerals XLIII, which references the chapter in Pride and Prejudice where Elizabeth Bennet sees Mr. Darcy’s estate for the first time. When Austen first published her novel Sense and Sensibility in 1811, its title page simply read “By a Lady” (she hadn’t made her name public at the time). This phrase is a part of the pen as much as it’s a part of her story, adorning the cap top together with the Montblanc emblem. You’ll definitely remember the writer whenever you put pen to paper, her portrait engraved on a rhodium-coated solid Au 750 gold nib. If that’s not a worthy ode, we don’t know what is. The pen costs $3,945 on Montblanc’s official site.
Montegrappa Dante Alighieri Collection
Those who recall their high school or college English classes might be familiar with Dante Alighieri’s seminal work, The Divine Comedy—a long narrative poem that’s divided into the sections Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. It chronicles the fictional journey of Dante as he travels through hell, purgatory, and heaven under the guidance of the Roman poet Virgil.
The story has inspired numerous pieces of art, cementing its place among the world’s greatest literary works. So it’s rather fitting that Italian pen company Montegrappa created a set of pens that pay homage to the Italian writer.
These three pens are visually inspired by and named after the three sections of Alighieri’s work. The level of craftsmanship is nothing short of remarkable, each pen encapsulating the narrative of their respective section in incredible detail. Literature nerds will also notice that delightful little addition on the pen’s nib: a portrait of Alighieri himself. All pens in the series use a spacious, piston filling mechanism that’s perfect for long writing sessions (it’s what Alighieri probably needed when he was creating his own works).
The Inferno pen sells for € 4,850 (around $ 5,234), the Purgatorio for € 5,050 ($ 5,450), and the Paradiso for € 6,595 (roughly $ 7,117).
Pelikan Souverän M1000 Maki-e Goldfish Edition
Pelikan is a trusted German pen maker that’s been manufacturing top-notch writing instruments since 1929. One of its most valuable flagship pens is the Pelikan Souverän M1000—a king among fountain pens due to its large size and majestic 18K gold nib (with that fantastic feedback and bounciness that’s unlike anything out there). While its Green and Black design is definitely iconic in collectors’ circles, the brand also creates limited edition variations of the model that will surely turn heads: we’re talking about its special Maki-e collection.
Inspired by the Japanese art of lacquer painting referred to as Maki-e, Pelikan’s unique “Maki-e” pens feature shimmering and elegant designs with breathtaking Japanese iconography. The latest model in this series is the Goldfish edition, which as the name implies, depicts these fishes swimming on the pen’s cap and barrel. Like the standard Souverän M1000, this pen boasts a generous piston filling system for heavy writing work. The pen costs roughly $4,800 to $5,500 from authorized sellers.
Visconti Hitchcock Vertigo Limited Edition
Last but certainly not least in this list is a pen from another esteemed Italian brand, Visconti. Fan of Alfred Hitchcock? Well, here’s a specific pen for you. The Visconti Hitchcock Vertigo boldly captures one of the filmmaker’s most enduring works in collaboration with his estate. It features an orange resin barrel and cap that references the movie’s distinct poster by graphic artist Saul Bass. This includes the striking black silhouettes of its central characters and the hypnotic spirals of disorientation that tease the psychological thriller’s theme of obsession.
The pen features a steel nib (it’s Visconti, so expect a butter-smooth writing experience); a classic cartridge or converter filling system; a cap with an engraved and enameled reproduction of his signature; and a central ring that showcases both the Visconti logo and Hitchcock’s profile.
We can think of no better tribute to the late auteur, but if you’re planning to snag a pen for yourself, act fast: they mean it when they say “limited edition,” having manufactured only 958 pieces (and if those digits look familiar, yes, they’re a tribute to the film’s release date of 1958). The pen costs € 460 (roughly $540) on Visconti’s official website.
