Discover the artistry of tradition with the Cathay Pens Monolith, a writing instrument that embodies the elegance of hand-finished Urushi lacquer. Crafted in Luoyang—China’s ancient capital and a renowned center of fine craftsmanship—each pen is meticulously lacquered by master artisans using the Tamenuri technique. This time-honored method layers translucent colored Urushi over a dark base, gradually revealing rich undertones as the finish ages, creating depth, warmth, and character.

At Cathay, the Tamenuri process is taken further with extra layers of clear Urushi beyond industry standards. This additional finishing gives the Monolith a deeper, darker appearance when new—an intentional starting point. With time and regular use, the clear Urushi becomes increasingly translucent, allowing the vibrant color beneath to emerge with greater clarity and richness. The pen evolves naturally, shaped by its owner, becoming a truly personal writing instrument—born for you, and growing with you.

Beneath the lacquer lies a core made from premium ebonite, sourced from either Japanese Nikko ebonite or high-grade German ebonite—materials long respected in traditional fountain pen craftsmanship. Valued for their stability, warmth to the touch, and compatibility with Urushi, these materials provide the ideal foundation for the Tamenuri process, ensuring excellent balance, durability, and writing comfort.

The tapered silhouette of the Monolith evokes sculptural balance and precision, narrowing gracefully toward each end. Its clean, uninterrupted form accentuates the subtle color transitions of Tamenuri, allowing the craftsmanship and material to take center stage.

Each pen is presented in a walnut wood box that converts into a display case for two or three pens—both functional and elegant, designed for collectors and writers alike.