How Montblanc’s High Artistry ‘Insignia of Power’ writing instrument was inspired by the romance of the Taj Mahal
‘Insignia of Power’ is made of solid yellow gold with rough rubies in a style similar to the traditional Indian kundan stone setting, a method dating back to the royal courts of Gujarat and Rajasthan
What: Montblanc’s High Artistry ‘Insignia of Power’ writing instrument How much: HK$13.1 million (USD$1.7 million)
Why: Montblanc’s High Artistry limited-edition writing instruments are inspired by the history and romance of the Taj Mahal and the Mughal empire in South Asia – they are one-of-a-kind works of art. “Insignia of Power” is one of the three exclusive pieces in the High Artistry collection.
The ruby-studded pen symbolises a dagger, a treasured object in the Mughal court – it is said that Shah Jahan received a dagger from his father when he was crowned emperor in the early 17th century. If you are unfamiliar with the Shah, you will certainly know the Taj Mahal, in Agra, India, the stunning ivory marble mausoleum he commissioned in 1631 to house the tomb of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal (when the emperor died, he was interred beside her).
“Insignia of Power” is made of solid yellow gold with rough rubies in a style similar to the traditional Indian kundan stone setting, a method that dates back to the royal courts of Gujarat and Rajasthan. At the tip of the cap sits a flawless 6.42-carat diamond, a nod to India’s rich diamond mining heritage. The peacock feather motif, inspired by the emperor’s famed gilded peacock throne, is featured in baguette and individual-cut diamonds that total about 16.78 carats.
Expect perfection in all the details: the centre stone, adorned with a 2.45-carat ruby cabochon, detaches to reveal a miniature enamel painting of a daisy – a traditional symbol of love. The solid gold nib, which is detailed with two love birds, is set with a brilliant-cut diamond.