Monblanc established the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award in 1992 to recognise the dedication and achievements of art patrons. This year the award is presented to thirteen individuals and organisations internationally for their effort, passion and conviction in the area. With the annual award comes a limited-edition set of writing instruments inspired by a historical patron of the arts. For this year it pays homage to the great Roman emperor Publius Aelius Hadrianus, who ruled for just 21 years with peace and prosperity and left a great legacy in architecture and art.

The Montblanc Patron of Arts Homage to Hadrian collection comprises four limited fountain pens, all features design references inspired by the great emperor such as Hadrianic phoenix with a halo and laurel leaf engraving on the nib. Limited Edition 4810 features a gold-coated cap top and cone inspired by the exquisite domes he commissioned. The cap and barrel are made of Egyptian basalt and  the yellow gold-coated clip is in the shape of a ripe wheat sheaf symbolising the goddess Demeter.

The sliver cap top Limited Edition 888 is decorated with square pattern on the cap,  referencing the Roman interior decoration inside those concrete domes. Red marble is the choice of material for the barrel and it’s paired with solid red gold on the cone and cap ring.

Limited Edition 76 represents the year of Hadrian’s birth (AD 76) and features white gold cap top with mother-of-pearl emblemed. The cap’s pattern is inspired by the floor of Roman building. The Egyptian basalt barrel is decorated with a hand-carved peacock that signifies immortality and was once part of the original decoration of Hadrian’s mausoleum.

Lastly, the most exclusive Montblanc Patron of the Arts pays Homage to Hadrian Limited Edition 5 features a solid white gold barrel with hand-carved peacock surrounded by dark blue sapphires. The decor of Roman traditional floor inspires the hand-set micro mosaic made of pieces of black and white glass on the white gold cap.

Also newly released is the Sartorial Calligraphy leather capsule collection. The Montblanc logo is reinterpreted in a modern way and printed in white on black Saffiano leather bags and accessories. The collection includes portfolio bag, backpack, wallets, cardholder, pen pouch and notebook holder, all sharing a design with clean lines and calligraphy motif lining.