Fountain pens from different historical periods, calligraphy and fountain pen paintings are on display in the exhibition "Journey through the Pen: From the Culture of Imperial Examinations to the Art of Modern Fountain Pens" at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi.
According to Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities of Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam, "When we think of ancient scholars, the image of the brush pen and inkstone comes to mind – tools not just for recording knowledge, but symbols of perseverance, a determination to overcome challenges, and a deep respect for the beauty in each word. This is the spirit that has been preserved and passed down by previous generations.
Today, in the modern pace of life and the digital age, we see the fountain pen - heir to that spirit - continuing its mission to connect people with knowledge, culture and themselves. If the brush pen once stood for royal examinations, the fountain pen has come to be associated with preserving thoughts, memories and very personal emotions in a way that no keyboard or screen can replace.
"The exhibition is not only an opportunity for us to honor the beauty of handwriting culture, but also a reminder to everyone of the value of writing in modern life. Beautiful handwriting is a reflection of soul, personality, and respect for knowledge. It is a value that transcends time - from the ancient scholars with the brush pen to today's generation with the fountain pen," said Kieu.
The event also carries a profound message: We must constantly preserve and promote this fine tradition, especially in the context of handwriting being gradually forgotten due to the convenience of technology. May each stroke, whether written with a brush or a fountain pen, become a bridge between the past and the future, between knowledge and the soul, and between man and man.
At the event, which took place on December 7, viewers admired unique pens from collectors of world-famous brands to the simplicity of the Hong Ha fountain pen collection - the first pen factory in Vietnam. The purpose of the event is to inspire admiration and preservation of handwriting among viewers, especially the younger generation of modern technology adepts.
Visitors admired the themed exhibition areas, including one for the Calligraphy Exhibition; others for Sketching with Fountain Pens and Exhibition of Fountain Pen Collections from Famous Brands.
Visitors also have the opportunity to experience the sophisticated world of fountain pens, immerse themselves in the art of calligraphy, and rediscover the value of handwriting in the digital age with activities to experience the art of handwriting, including Canh Dieu Calligraphy Workshop to learn the attractive copperplate style or the professional and sophisticated Business Cursive style; Concopens Lacquer Workshop to experience the art of lacquer on fountain pens; Sino-Nom Calligraphy Workshop to hand-write traditional characters with deep cultural meaning.
| Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities of Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam (second from left) and distinguished guests visit the exhibition. Photos: Thuy Nga/The Hanoi Times |
| Various types of fountain pens on display. |
| A visitor contemplates calligraphic artworks. |
| Works of art painted with fountain pens. |
| Visitors experience lacquer painting on the fountain pen. |
