When John Hu returned to his hometown of Houtong, Taiwan after a long absence, he was struck by the surrounding natural beauty: sea, sky, mountains, and forests. He saw constant change in the palette of colors and the play of light and shadow. Inspired by his environment, Hu's goal became to create beautiful yet functional objects. When he founded Laban Pen in 1981, Hu incorporated this vision.
Sensitivity and aesthetics are always at the forefront of Laban's goal and its products. Two perspectives characterize its intent: the writing instrument and the writer's sensitivity. Laban Pen Company puts it this way: “A pen is close to the palm of the writer.” “Using a pen is conveying thoughts....A pen is a tool, but what is written is the affection that modern technology cannot translate.” “Refill your soul by writing.”
Initially, Laban was an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), producing pen components for other companies. In fact, Laban became recognized as one of the foremost OEM suppliers to numerous pen brands, especially known for its silver-plated and rhodium-plated writing instruments.
Eventually, Hu decided to fulfill his dream of making pens under his own brand, and in 1993, Laban began manufacturing writing instruments under its own name. Recognition came quickly since many in the industry were already familiar with Laban's OEM quality. In 1997, Laban collaborated with the Vatican to produce a line of gift pens for the Musei del Vaticano. The pens are distributed by Vatican officials around the world. In 2004, Laban's limited edition Dragon Pen was named “best pen” by Lewis & Clark Fine Arts Academy in London, England.
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Denne historien er fra February 2022-utgaven av PEN WORLD.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Remembering Ward Dunham (October 11, 1941 - August 24, 2024)
On August 24, 2024, calligrapher Ward Dunham passed away.
The Black Pen Society and the D.C. Pen Show: Poobah in a Flower Pot
Do you like black pens? If so, you are probably already familiar with the fun, frivolity, and fellowship associated with the Black Pen Society (BPS).
Stationery Fest: This Is Not a Pen Show
Daisy and Neil Ni's twist on the traditional pen show is about community, not commerce.
"It Has Style:" A History of the Aurora Hastil (1969-1970)
The Italian pen company's experiment in modernism led to a revolution in late 20th century pen design. A two-part series.
GW Pens Scores a Critical Hit
With new collections inspired by Dungeons & Dragons and Fender guitars, artisan John Greco is tapping into cultural trends.
Roterfaden's "Pocket Companion' "
The Taschenbegleiter hand-made planner system from German artisan cooperative Roterfaden features a modular organizational system that grows with the user's ambitions.
S.T. Dupont Takes the Iron Throne
The French atelier continues its forays into popular culture with a new, officially licensed Game of Thrones collection.
More Mail, More Dip-Less
The six-part series on dip-less (or one-dip) fountain pens garnered some major attention through its run from October 2023 through August 2024 (Vol. 36 No. 6 Vol. 37 No. 5).
David Oscarson: A Reflection
The artisan pen maker celebrates 25 years of luxury writing instruments with a new collection that harkens to his Art Nouveau roots.
The Parkette Hopalong Cassidy Ballpoint Pen
The Jotter was advertised as Parker's first ballpoint pen, but a novelty item that played on the Hopalong Cassidy culture craze predated it.
