Few are the intellectual giants who qualify for recognition in Montegrappa*s most exclusive range of Genio Creativo writing instruments. To date only two individuals: Antonio Stradivari (in 2007), and the remarkable painter and sculptor, Amedeo Modigliani (in 2008) have been honored. The third creative genius in Montegrappa*s roster of peerless artists is Salvador Dalí, a visionary who personified surrealism, who was also a writer, filmmaker and designer – truly the 20th Century equivalent of a ‘Renaissance Man’. Blessed not only with technical skills and talent but also with a unique visual sense, Dalí produced a number of significant works so original and startling that they have entered the global consciousness. Among the most famous are *The Persistence of Memory*, the universally familiar surrealistic landscape of soft, melting pocket watches painted in 1931, and his 1944 work, *Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee Around a Pomegranate a Second Before Awakening*. It is the latter painting that has inspired the Montegrappa designers to devise a pen worthy of Dalí*s vision and it was the first of a number of works to contain a form (an Elephant), which would become a recurring image in Dalí's work.

Amongst other adaptations, in his paintings Dalí took Bernini’s elephant and, with his inimitable sense of proportion, stretched its legs to unreal lengths.
Montegrappa has transformed these noble beasts, portrayed with long, multi-jointed, almost invisible legs of desire along with obelisks on their backs, into miniature manifestations of Dalí*s art. On the Dalí pen, the elephant embraces a barrel of Mediterranean blue celluloid for the sterling silver edition. When the pen is opened, a quote from the autobiography *The Secret Life of Salvador Dalí* is inscribed on the sterling silver inner barrel.
Montegrappa has issued only 1000 sterling silver fountain pens and 989 rollerball pens, denoting 1989 – the year that Dalí died. The fountain pen is enhanced with an 18kt gold nib, cartridge/converter fill.

This project has been supervised and licensed by the Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí, the cultural institution created and run by Salvador Dalí himself until he died. The Kingdom of Spain, Dalí*s universal heir, granted the Fundació exclusive power to manage Salvador Dalí*s estate, both material and intellectual property rights. For its contribution to the project, Mr. Joan Manuel Sevillano, Managing Director of the Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí says, *For our Foundation, the respect for the work of Salvador Dalí is of utmost importance. We have found in Montegrappa the perfect partner to carry out this project, with the attention and care it merits.*

We are pleased to announce the imminent release of a new exciting limited edition from Montegrappa called Snake .Occupying the 6th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Snake symbolizes such character traits as intelligence, gracefulness and materialism. When it comes to decision-making, Snakes are extremely analytical and as a result, they don't jump into situations. They are effective at getting the things they want, even if it means they have to scheme and plot along the way. Snakes are very materialistic creatures, preferring to surround themselves with the finest that life has to offer. This is especially evident in the home, where luxurious furnishings and surroundings help Snakes seek the peace they need in order to thrive.Influential, motivated, insightful, and highly intellectual are words that best characterize Water Snakes. These Snakes work well with others and enjoy being recognized and rewarded. They'll reveal feelings to those closest to them, but no one else.Inspired by the Chinese Horoscope sign, Montegrappa Snake 2013 writing instruments are decorated with stunning die-cast overlays. The collection is available as a limited edition of only 888 fountain pens and 888 rollerball pens in sterling silver and only 88 fountain pens and 88 rollerball pens in solid 18K gold.Fountain pens boast ebonite feeder, 18K gold nib and a piston filling system. All pieces are numbered and offered in an elegant wooden box.

The Intima™ pen is one of the original collections developed by Monteverde® in 1999. Intima™ was introduced in colorful resins in both ballpoint pen and fountain pen. The alluring shape of the pen with the beautiful and practical “S” shaped chrome clip resulted in this collection gaining immediate popularity and great success. Monteverde® proudly introduces a special 10th Anniversary Limited Edition carbon fiber ballpoint Intima™ to celebrate the long-standing success of a true classic. This special pen with its true blend of high-tech black braided carbon fiber and black trendy accents is limited to 1999 pieces. It has the perfect style to be formal, business, or casual. Being equipped with a soft roll ballpoint refill allows for the smoothest and easiest writing. The special custom packaging showcases the opulence and class of this stunning celebratory pen.

Tradition says that when Emperor Yuryaku marched to war with his armies, a dangerous horsefly landed on his arm. Just before he could bite, a large dragonfly swooped down and carried the horsefly off with him. Dragonflies do not retreat, but fly on straight and steadfastly to catch their prey – an attribute prized by kings and warlords alike. Since then, dragonflies have been used in Japanese culture as a symbol of courage and victory. This insect, called *Kachimushi* in Japanese, was forged in helmets, shields and swords of Samurai warriors to lead them to victory in battle. This limited edition is styled in the profile of the Yukari Royale. In the black lacquer Urushi, one finds beautiful hand-painted images of a dragonfly and the lotus plant (symbol of good fortune and renewal). These paintings are made with carefully finished Togidashi (Burnished) and Taka Maki-e (Raised) Maki-e by Masahiro master craftsmen. The texture and the relief of these Maki-e drawings give a truly sensational appearance to the piece, that are further enhanced with gold dust and Raden (Abalone and Mother-of-Pearl) for the dragonfly wings. The fountain pen is enhanced with Namiki*s two tone 18kt gold nib, with a piston ink delivery system. This limited edition pen is presented in a luxurious lacquer gift box, with a traditional Kisotsuishu lacquer ware lid. The lid is decorated with the same dragonfly and lotus design floating on several colored layers of lacquer, which have been polished to represent the sparkling surface of the water. A special ink bottle designed specifically for this exquisite pen completes the majestic presentation.