blue – Kuncoro Wastuwibowo

University of Cambridge — Onoto

The University of Cambridge has a rich history that spans more than 800 years. Its origins can be traced back to 1209, when a group of scholars migrated to establish ofa new centre of learning in Cambridge. By 1231, the institution received a charter from King Henry III, which granted it significant privileges. This charter marked the beginning of the university’s official recognition and its rise as a prominent academic institution.

The university is organised into a series of colleges, with the first college, Peterhouse, founded by Hugh de Balsham in 1284. Each college is an independent institution with its own property and income, but all are part of the university, contributing to its rich academic and cultural environment.

The university played a significant role in the Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution. Notable alumni include Sir Isaac Newton, who developed the principles of modern physics in the 17th century while at Cambridge. In the 20th and 21st centuries, Cambridge continued to expand and evolve, becoming a globally recognised and respected institution for higher learning and research. It has maintained a strong emphasis on scientific research and innovation, contributing to technological advancements and the development of new fields of study. Today, this university consists of over 30 colleges and numerous academic departments, faculties, and schools. It continues to be a leading centre for education and research, attracting students and scholars from around the world. The university’s commitment to excellence in education, research, and contribution to society remains steadfast, ensuring its place among the top universities globally for years to come.

I have an Onoto fountain pen designed for the University of Cambridge. It is a Magna Black & Gold model with the logo of this university on its crown, and a Trinity College crest; with Au750 F-sized nib. It is my second Onoto after the one designed for Oxford University.

Onoto, a prestigious brand of fountain pens from the United Kingdom, has a rich history and a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and cultural significance. The brand’s journey began in the early 20th century, making it an integral part of the fountain pen industry’s history and development. Its history dates back to 1905 when the brand was established by Thomas De La Rue & Co. The first Onoto pen, the Onoto Patent Self-filling Pen, was launched in 1905 and quickly gained fame for its innovative plunger-filling system, which was a novelty at the time. This filling mechanism allowed for a more straightforward and cleaner way to refill the pen, setting Onoto pens apart from their competitors.

Onoto pens are renowned for their high quality, craftsmanship, and durability. The brand has consistently emphasized the production of pens that are not only functional but also beautiful, often using precious metals, high-quality resins, and intricate designs. Collectors and users of Onoto pens value them for their smooth writing experience, balance, and the tactile pleasure they provide. In the 21st century, Onoto has experienced a revival, appealing to both collectors of vintage pens and enthusiasts of luxury writing instruments. The brand continues to produce limited editions and bespoke pens, often commemorating significant historical and cultural events, further enhancing its cultural significance and appeal to connoisseurs of fine pens.

Ravenclaw

November — one of the most inspiring months, with its dark season in most populated part of the earth. Darkness, reducing the ability to see with our eyes, but opening our heart wider to see the wisdom of our life, of the universe. And at the first week of November, we celebrate Fountain Pen Day. This year, we celebrate it on November 3rd — just between Nov 2nd and Nov 4th for sure. And the pen I choose today is Montegrappa Harry Potter Series: Ravenclaw!

Montegrappa has produced a special edition fountain pen inspired by the Harry Potter series. I have displayed the Gryffindor design last year (URL). Now proudly I show you the Ravenclaw.

At Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, each house has its own unique qualities and values, contributing to the diversity and richness of the Hogwarts student body. In contrast to the other houses (Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin), Ravenclaw stands out for its emphasis on intellectual pursuits and a love of learning.

The unique characteristics of Ravenclaw can be summarised as follows:

Intelligence and Wisdom: Ravenclaw house values academic achievement and intelligence. Ravenclaw people are known for their intellectual curiosity, love of learning, and a desire to expand their knowledge.
Creativity and Originality: Ravenclaws are often associated with creativity and original thinking. The house encourages people to think outside the box and approach problems with innovative solutions.
Wit and Cleverness: Ravenclaws are known for their quick wit and cleverness. They appreciate a sharp mind and the ability to think on one’s feet.
Love of Learning: Ravenclaw people have a passion for learning and seek to understand the world around them. The house common room, located in a tower on the west side of Hogwarts, is filled with books and is a quiet place to study and contemplate.
Individuality: Ravenclaws often value individuality and independence. They appreciate uniqueness and are accepting of diverse perspectives and ideas.
Lack of Prejudice: Unlike some other houses, Ravenclaw is known for its lack of prejudice and acceptance of people from all walks of life, as long as they exhibit the qualities valued by the house.

The most prominent Ravenclaw character at the Harry Potter series is surely Luna Lovegood — a beloved character known for her individuality, kindness, and unwavering belief in the magical and mysterious aspects of the wizarding world. The individuality here includes her distinctive quirky appearance and dreamy expression. Luna is portrayed as open-minded, kind-hearted, and unapologetically herself. She is not easily affected by the opinions of others and remains true to her beliefs and values.

Luna is often considered eccentric by her peers, but she is comfortable in her uniqueness. But her loyalty, bravery, and willingness to fight for what she believes in are evident during the final intense and dangerous confrontation of the series — making her one of the most important character of the story.

Waterman Edson

The Waterman Edson Sapphire is supposed to be a luxurious and highly esteemed writing instrument with a stunning design that captivates from the first glance. It features a deep blue sapphire-coloured lacquer barrel with lustrous silver accents, giving it a refined and sophisticated appearance. The pen’s streamlined shape, sleek clip, and intricate detailing demonstrate the meticulous attention to design that Waterman is renowned for. The overall aesthetic of the pen conveys a sense of prestige and luxury.

The Au750 (18k gold) nib of the Edson Sapphire fountain pen provides a remarkable writing experience. It glides effortlessly across the paper, delivering smooth and consistent lines — at least when it was new. The nib’s fine craftsmanship ensures optimal ink flow, allowing for a controlled and precise writing experience. While the pen may come at a higher price point, its exceptional quality, attention to detail, and apparently distinctive design make it a coveted choice for pen enthusiasts. Edson uses a cartridge-converter filling system.

The story of Waterman pens started in 1884, when Lewis Edson Waterman — an insurance agent from New York City — experienced a significant issue with a fountain pen during a business deal. Frustrated by the pen’s unreliability and leaking, he sought to improve the design and functionality of fountain pens. Waterman developed his own fountain pen prototype; and he received a patent for his first practical fountain pen, which featured a capillary feed system and an ink chamber with a regulated flow.

This innovation eliminated the issues of leakage and inconsistent ink flow that plagued earlier fountain pen designs. Waterman’s fountain pen design gained popularity and recognition for its reliability and smooth writing experience. In 1888, he established the Waterman Pen Company in New York City. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality writing instruments.

In the early 20th century, Waterman expanded its operations globally, establishing subsidiaries and manufacturing facilities in Europe and Canada. The company’s pens became popular worldwide. As the 20th century wore on, Waterman’s conservatism allowed its younger and more innovative competitors to gain market share — Parker, Sheaffer, and Wahl-Eversharp in particular. By the later 1920s, Waterman was attempting to catch up; it continued to struggle through and beyond World War II before finally shutting down in 1954. Waterman’s French subsidiary, Waterman-JIF (Jules-Isidore Fagard) later Waterman S.A., continued to prosper and eventually absorbed what remained of the American company and its British arm. Today, Waterman is a French brand owned by the Newell Brands group.

Oxford University — Onoto

For my birthday, I will display one of my favourite pen: Oxford Blue Magna Classic by Onoto. This pen is dedicated for the University of Oxford, and it was designed with the official Oxford blue coloured resin and complemented by sterling silver fittings including a broad engraved cap band, the University of Oxford crest on the cap button and Onoto Chevron clip.

The Oxford Magna is based on the style and shape of one of the most famous Onoto fountain pens — the Onoto Magna of 1937 which is still acclaimed as one of the best fountain pen ever made.

Surely I bought it because of its dedication for The University of Oxford. But I do not buy pens just for collecting them. I remember the first day with the pen, I filled it with a GFC Midnight Blue ink, since I thought it perfectly matched the colour of the pen. Then I wrote a few line with it, and instantly fell in love. It surprisingly writes very smoothly, finely, comfortably, and I could write my best with this pen. I never change the colour of the ink for this pen since then. I guess this is the only pen I have, in which I never changed the ink since the beginning.

This Onoto pen accompanied me to many events, including international conferences, congress, classrooms, meetings. Nobody recognised the Onoto brand, though. Onoto is not a famous brand here in Indonesia. I guess people just think this is a souvenir from a visit to Oxford University.

I was in The University of Oxford in 2012 just for a short visit. It is one of the oldest and most renowned universities in the world, established in the 12th century. It is made up of 38 colleges and has a diverse student body from all over the world. The University of Oxford offers a wide range of courses in various fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The small city expressed the elegance of the academic tradition of the University’s colleges throughout the city.