The Carnevale di Venezia (Carnival of Venice) is said to have begun in 1162 as a celebration of the Venetian Republic’s victory over Ulrich II, and was made official as a festival during the Renaissance. While banned sometime in the late 1700s, it gradually reemerged in the 1800s in the form of private gatherings, until it was brought back as a public event in 1979. 

The highlight of the festival is the “la maschera più bella” (the most beautiful mask), which is a competition judged by some of the best costumers and designers. Masks are a huge part of the Carnevale di Venezia, and are often made using leather, glass, or porcelain. 

Inspired by these gorgeous creations, OMAS released the Emozione di Carnevale, a fountain pen designed by Gianluca Malaguti Simoni, the grandson of the brand’s founder. It’s made from white porcelain decorated with black swirls and matte gold trims. The nib is made from 18-karat gold and etched with a moon and a star. Like the Carnevale, the package it comes with is also a spectacle, featuring a full-sized Venetian mask in the same colorway. 

We have for sale a pre-owned OMAS Emozione di Carnevale fountain pen with an M nib. It comes complete with its box, papers, mask, and other inclusions. 

Length capped: 14.5 cm.