DESIGN /
PRODUCT
May 4, 2021
Three unreleased writing tools conceived by Castiglioni and his close friend | EGO.M
EGO.M
Writing tools conceived for personal use, finally brought to life.
In 2001, Achille Castiglioni and his close friend and colleague, architect Gianfranco Caviglia, conceived of writing tools that embodied true harmony between mind, hand (fingers), and object. Sadly, they were never produced, and Castiglioni passed away the following year. Then, one day in 2012, prototypes were discovered by Castiglioni's children, sparking a move towards production. Now, in what would have been his 103rd year, they are finally unveiled. What are these writing tools?
Text by WAKABAYASHI Satsuki
In 2001, Achille Castiglioni and his close friend and colleague, architect Gianfranco Caviglia, launched a project titled "Tools for Writing" with the desire to create their own work instruments.
They pursued writing tools that represented true harmony between mind, hand (fingers), and object. At the time, wooden prototypes were crafted by the wood workshop Bottega Gianda. However, due to the lack of manufacturers capable of producing their unique shapes at an appropriate price, they remained unreleased.
Time passed, and in 2012, prototypes hidden behind a mirror in the studio were discovered by Castiglioni's children. As Achille Castiglioni had already passed away by then, the exact design intent could not be interpreted, and they remained untouched for years.
And now, 20 years after their conception, with the collaboration of "EGO.M," a group of young designers based in Bologna, Italy, and utilizing 3D printing technology for manufacturing, "CENTO3." has been born.
The lineup consists of three types: an art pencil, a fountain pen, and a mechanical pencil. They are primarily made from graphene, a new material composed of carbon atoms, offering flexibility, durability, and sustainability.
The lightweight, pleasant-to-touch material and the ergonomically designed "three-leaf arch shape" provide the optimal grip for three fingers.
The art pencil is highly portable and suitable for sketching ideas. The fountain pen's medium nib makes it recommended for fountain pen beginners. The mechanical pencil uses a 0.7mm lead, closely mimicking the feel of a pencil and also suitable for sketching. Refills and cartridges for all are available in Japan, making them long-lasting companions.
CENTO3.E / Chento 3.E (Art Pencil)
Price | ¥8,580
Φ1.5cm W10.3cm (Refill size Φ5.5mm W90mm)
CENTO3.G / Chento 3.G (Fountain Pen)
Price | ¥10,780
Size | Φ1.5cm W10.3cm / 13.5cm (Cartridge Pelikan 4001 TP/6 Black)
CENTO3.O / Chento 3.O (Mechanical Pencil)
Price | ¥8,580
Φ1.1cm W13cm (Refill HB 0.7mm)
