About us
Designed by Hercules Zuo and team
Logo Design
Our logo is a modern interpretation of traditional Chinese artistry, drawing inspiration from the elegant floral window designs found in classical Chinese gardens. The letters of "Cathay" are intricately arranged to form a delicate lattice pattern, blending architectural elegance with contemporary typography. This design not only captures the beauty of Chinese heritage but also reflects our brand’s commitment to timeless craftsmanship and modern sophistication. Every aspect of our logo embodies Cathay’s dedication to quality and a unique design language that honors both past and present.
In-house Urushi Master
Master Zhang
Master of Urushi, Chinkin, and Makie Art in the Heart of Luoyang
With over 30 years of dedication to the intricate and ancient craft of lacquer art, Master Zhang carries on a legacy deeply rooted in the historic capital of Luoyang, China. As a proud inheritor of his family's artistic heritage, he has mastered the traditional techniques of Urushi (Chinese qi 漆), Chinkin (Chinese Qiangjin 戗金, Japanese Chinkin 沈金 gold inlay), and Makie (Chinese Miaojin 描金, Japanese Makie 蒔絵).
Master Zhang is excited about sharing this timeless art with the world exclusively with CathayPens, transforming raw materials into refined masterpieces. He skillfully crafts each item by hand, including exquisite fountain pens, elegant wooden accessories, and unique pieces of jewelry. Every creation embodies both his dedication to precision and a reverence for traditional craftsmanship, making each piece a true work of art.
Whether you seek a meaningful keepsake or an everyday luxury, Master Zhang's creations tell a story of heritage, passion, and unparalleled skill. Step into the world of lacquer art, where every piece is a bridge between the past and present, uniquely crafted to be cherished for generations.
President & Founder
Byron Yan
With over a decade immersed in the world of fountain pens, Byron brings a collector's discerning eye and an artisan's touch to every creation. His passion for fine writing instruments led him to collaborate with Ikkaku by Nahvalur, resulting in the celebrated Lanyue and Yeyu—a tribute to craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
Not only a collector, Byron is also an Urushi artist, meticulously crafting exquisite pens that embody both tradition and innovation. Each piece showcases his dedication to quality, from the vibrant luster of the Urushi lacquer to the delicate, hand-finished details.
With Byron and Master Zhang, you're not just purchasing a pen; you're acquiring a piece of art that reflects his commitment to excellence and the legacy of a timeless craft.
Explore Byron's work and discover how a fountain pen can become a treasured expression of individuality and artistry.
President & Founder
Emmanuel "Manu" Caltagirone
He is a visionary in the world of writing instruments, blending tradition with innovation. Born into a family deeply rooted in the pen industry, Manu's father worked for renowned brands like Waterman, DuPont, and Cartier, passing on a meticulous approach to craftsmanship. His passion for fine pens and custom craftsmanship led him to create the Armando Simoni Club, where he continues to produce high-quality celluloid pens. His unique blend of design, manufacturing, and distribution expertise makes him a key figure in the pen industry today.
Designer
Hercules Zuo
With a remarkable portfolio that includes collaborations with renowned brands such as Montblanc, Hercules has established himself as a visionary designer both within and beyond the world of fine writing instruments. His expertise brings a distinctive style and sophistication to every project, marrying form and function in a way that is both innovative and elegant.
For our brand, Hercules has seamlessly integrated his design language into every detail—creating a cohesive and memorable experience for our customers. From the striking logo and intricate nib imprint to the meticulously crafted packaging and website design, Hercules's touch ensures our brand identity is not only unique but harmoniously unified.
Explore Hercules's work and see how his dedication to exceptional design has helped elevate our brand to new heights.
Graphic Designer
Juan Benedit
Juan has been a graphic designer with over 20 years of experience specializing in illustration and the art of designing nibs, fountain pens, and communication pieces. His work has provided us with in-depth knowledge of the world’s most renowned products and brands, allowing him to blend creativity and precision in every project. Through his passion for design, he strives to bring unique artistry to the world of fine writing instruments.
VP of European Distribution & Partner
Cristina Guida
Cristina is responsible for sales in Europe for the Uniluxe Group and Armando Simoni Club. She entered the world of pens at the end of 2013, and over the years, she has gained significant experience in understanding production processes. Cristina oversees production at Italian factories, collaborates with suppliers to create new colors and materials, and works with the graphic and advertising teams. She represents the brand at industry fairs in the most important European capitals. She loves the pen world, embraces creativity, and finds joy in the happiness of her customers.
Manager & Partner
Norah Massenat
Norah has over 8 years of experience in the fountain pen industry. Starting in order fulfillment, her expertise has expanded across customer service, sales, and operations. Over the years, I've developed a deep knowledge of renowned fountain pen brands, with a special focus on Japanese pens, Urushi colors, nib sizes, and techniques like the famous Maki-e. While her journey didn’t begin with fountain pens, she has grown to love them and is committed to supporting and serving the fountain pen community with passion and care.