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PRODUCT
June 13, 2016
A Movie Performing Music with the Sound of Writing | Caran d’Ache
Caran d’Ache
Celebrating the Launch of the New "Ecridor Variation"
Video Released: Classical Music Played with the Sound of Writing
From Caran d’Ache, the esteemed writing instrument brand founded in Geneva, Switzerland, nearly 100 years ago, comes the "Ecridor Variation," a perfect gift for Father's Day, set to launch in early June 2016. To commemorate this release, a video titled "The Melody of Letters" has been unveiled, featuring the new item. This unique short film plays classical masterpieces using the sound of writing with a ballpoint pen.
Text by WASEDA Kosaku (OPENERS)
The "Ecridor Variation": Ideal for Father's Day Gifts
Founded in 1915, Caran d’Ache is Switzerland's sole manufacturer of stationery and art supplies. To this day, all its writing instruments and art materials are meticulously crafted by artisans in its Geneva workshops.
One of Caran d’Ache's long-selling collections is the "Ecridor." Its name is derived from a fusion of the French word "Ecrire" (to write) and "Or" (gold). This collection is characterized by its decorative yet chic design, featuring a hexagonal silver body engraved with lines.
A new item is now being added to the Ecridor collection. Named "Variation," it features a motif composed of symmetrical, unified straight lines engraved on all faces. The design, inspired by rhythmic musical compositions, is orderly, simple, and refined.
The lineup includes four types: a fountain pen, a rollerball pen, a ballpoint pen, and a mechanical pencil. These items are perfect for the upcoming Father's Day gift.
Ecridor Variation
Price: Fountain pen ¥33,480, Rollerball pen ¥27,000,
Ballpoint pen ¥18,360, Mechanical pencil (0.7mm) ¥18,360
Release Date: Early June 2016
The Melody of Letters
To coincide with the release of the "Ecridor Variation," Caran d’Ache has prepared a special movie. The sound of writing with a ballpoint pen creates classical music. By combining different sounds and rhythms generated by the shapes and stroke counts of written characters, they developed "The Melody of Letters," a string of characters that sounds like a musical phrase.
Over ten staff members spent two weeks diligently writing characters with a ballpoint pen, repeatedly experimenting to discover which alphabets, and in what combinations, would sound like a musical phrase.
During the verification process, they paid close attention to the rhythm of transitions between characters, ensuring consistency across different writers by identifying combinations that naturally flowed with the intended rhythm.
Furthermore, when selecting characters, they prioritized not only the sonic harmony but also the writing experience, excluding combinations that, while musically coherent, did not form meaningful words.
The pieces performed in this video are "Turkish March," "Gavotte," and "The Nutcracker." The video can be enjoyed on the campaign page and the official Caran d’Ache Japan YouTube channel. After watching, we encourage you to pick up a pen and paper and try creating your own "Melody of Letters."
Caran d’Ache Japan Campaign Page
http://www.carandache.co.jp/e-variation/
Caran d’Ache Japan Official YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9wd4cSad-mzFeYc74BWCKA
Inquiries
Caran d’Ache Japan
☎03-6804-3201
http://www.carandache.co.jp/