Once again, the Pen of the Year focuses on the core feature of the Graf von Faber-Castell Collection: wood in its noblest and most inspiring variations. The idea behind this year’s pen comes from Countess Ottilie’s private salon or drawing-room in the Faber-Castell castle, now over 100 years old, that is paneled in costly East Indies satinwood – also known as lemonwood on account of its fragrant scent. And so the name “Lemon Room” came about. No fewer than 84 Satinwood rectangles are individually hand-made for the filigree herringbone pattern of the Pen of the Year 2008. The numbered edition is crowned by a chessboard-faceted citrine gemstone, platinized fittings and an 18-carat bicolor gold nib, carefully run in by hand. The outer layer of the barrel is made of carefully selected Indian satinwood. Normally such a parquet pattern requires a plane surface. In the Pen of the Year 2008 an unconventional technique has been employed to transfer it to a cylindrical shape. No two segments are identical: each can be fitted at just a single position on the barrel and matched to its neighbors to produce precisely even joins. Then the barrel is repeatedly polished and varnished, a time-consuming process. The world’s smallest parquet, on the surface of a pen, is a work of perfection. Crafted with the utmost precision, the Pen of the Year 2008 combines elegant looks, an inimitable feel, and excellent writing qualities. The interplay that develops between the warmly shimmering satinwood tones and the cool platinum-plated metal parts is as impressive for its fine detail as for its brilliant overall impression. The masterpiece is crowned by a chessboard-faceted citrine gemstone set in the platinum-plated end cap. The elaborate craftsmanship and the individual grain of the wood make each and every Pen of the Year 2008 a unique work of art. The 18-carat bicolor gold nib has been run in by hand and is available in widths F, M, and B. The platinum-plated cap conceals the knob for the plunger filling mechanism, on which each pen is individually numbered. A further noteworthy detail is the solid metal clip, hinged and spring-loaded. The Pen of the Year 2008 comes in an exclusive wooden case with a beautiful brochure and a certificate. That bears the personal signature of Count Faber-Castell and attests that the pen is one of a limited edition and also that the material is selected genuine satinwood.