Hobby Stationery Box | The Passion of Laban

Exploring the Essence of the Taiwanese Brand that Captivates People Worldwide

The "Antique II" pen will officially launch in Japan in early October 2024. The design is inspired by the model used by Pope Benedict XVI in 1997. For the brand, this pen holds iconic significance. By exploring the story behind this pen, one can also uncover the history of Laban and the reasons why the brand has won global admiration.

A Brass Pen That Becomes More Endearing with Use

With the concept of "Classic is the new modern," this pen combines antique-processed brass material with a striped pattern. Not only is the design stylish, but its weight provides a stable writing experience. Over time, the longer you use it, the more you can appreciate its unique, mature charm. Upon its release in Japan, two new colors, "green" and "gray," were also launched.

Fountain Pen: It is approximately 142mm in length (when capped) and 159mm (when writing), with a barrel diameter of approximately 11.9mm. It weighs about 43g and is dual-use, with a steel nib (F). The price is ¥23,100 (tax included). Nib sizes EF, M, and B are available for order; please consult a stationery store for details.

Rollerball Pen: It is approximately 142mm in length (when capped) and 155mm (when writing), with a barrel diameter of approximately 11.8mm. It weighs about 43g and costs ¥22,000 (tax included).

The Antique II is expected to launch in Japan in early October 2024.

The brass clip is embedded in the pen cap, a unique design conceived by the brand's founder, John.

The bi-color nib is engraved with the word "Laban" and the brand's logo. The standard nib width is F, but customers can order EF, M, and B nib through stationery stores.

Polishing the Brass Material

A partner factory manufactures the brass components, but polishing is done at the Laban factory when necessary. Hand polishing achieves this unique sheen.

Adjustments by Cutting

This picture shows the process of using a manual lathe to adjust the length of the brass barrels precisely; the acrylic parts can also adjusted similarly.

Hand Assembly

The artisan applied adhesive glue between the parts during assembly, and each pen was handcrafted. (*The pink pen item in the picture is not yet available.)

Inspection and Packaging

The pens undergo inspection and packaging in the factory, and all Laban pens begin their journey from Houtong, Taiwan, to reach customers worldwide.

 

From Taiwan to the world

Laban was founded in 1981 in Houtong, Taiwan. Over 43 years, it has become a globally beloved brand with many stories and experiences behind its journey.

1. In 1997 the silver fountain pen "9191" was produced. This model, used by Pope Benedict XVI, is the original version of the "Antique II."

2. Products from different generations are displayed at the factory entrance. Founder John plans to open this area as an exhibition hall.

3. Before launching its brand products in 1993, Laban spent 13 years honing its skills through OEM work. High-end brand OEM products are also displayed.

4. A photo taken at an exhibition in Milan, Italy, around 1994. It was here that they met with Vatican representatives and reached a collaboration agreement.

Fulfilling People's Hearts Through Writing

Laban's founder, John, holds an unforgettable childhood memory. When he was 12, his father, who worked in the coal mines, gave him a fountain pen. As a young student, he was captivated by the pen's unique writing experience and felt the joy of writing, which inspired him to create his writing instrument brand.  

After graduating from university, completing military service, and working for a trading company, he founded Laban in his hometown of Houtong in 1981.

Initially, the company focused on OEM work and learning pen-making techniques. In 1993, Laban launched its brand. In 1997, they reached a collaboration agreement with the Vatican Museum, marking the beginning of the brand's expansion. However, the higher price point for most products once led to difficult times. 

In 2016, Laban launched the "325" series, which became popular and captured people's hearts. The success of "Antique II" further solidified the brand's status. John expressed that he will continue to share the joy of writing through Laban's unique aesthetics in the future.

 

5. The factory is located in a building constructed during the Japanese colonial period. It employs ten residents, most of whom are artisans who have worked there for over 30 years. The factory produces approximately 400 to 500 pens per day.
6. Many of the factory's machines have been in use for over 30 years. Image 7 shows the electric polishing machine. A Laban artisan places the Acrylic rods into a bamboo-lined device, as demonstrated in Image 6, where they rotated to polish the surface.

Laban's Appeal Reaches the World

Since its founding, Laban has entered the European and the U.S. markets. John (center in the photo) expressed his desire to take Japan as a starting point and incorporate Japanese culture into the brand to create products loved worldwide.

Special Custom Order Information

"趣味の文具箱Hobby Stationery Box" Special Custom Edition!

Exclusive colors of the "Antique II" are about to be released. Two original colors custom-ordered by "趣味の文具箱 Hobby Stationery Box" will be sold exclusively in the "Hobby Stationery Box Online Store"! The "Chitose Green" version has a gold nib (M), making it a special edition. 

It is the only chance to purchase the gold nib version of the "Antique II," so be sure to buy it soon! The expected launch date is September 11, 2024.

18K Gold Nib from Early Creations

The "Chitose Green" comes with an 18K gold nib made about 20 years ago, and it is the only gold nib version of the "Antique II."

Chitose Green

This version is a deeper shade of green than the standard "Antique’II green" model. The clip, band, and grip section feature a rose gold design. It is equipped with an 18K gold nib, size M, and is priced at ¥39,600 (including tax). It is limited to 5 pieces.

Deep Blue

A vibrant blue paired with silver accents and limited to 15 pieces, with fountain pen nib widths available in EF (5 pieces), F (4 pieces), M (4 pieces), and B (2 pieces), priced at ¥23,100 (including tax).