Cloisonne is an enameling technique from the 13th century BC that requires soldering of small pieces and strips of metal onto another metal surface to create patterns from delicate partitions, which is actually where the word “cloisonne” (“cloisons” in French) comes from. 

This storied art form was used on the Parker Duofold Centennial Mandarin Cloisonne, released in 2006. While its yellow-and-black body is similar to the Parker Duofold Centennial Mandarin Yellow produced in 1987 and then in 1995, a few notable differences include the two cap rings (the old Mandarin had three), the two-tone nib, and, of course, the cloisonne finial that has “Duofold” and “Cloisonne” enameled around the image of a yellow vase. 

Only 3,900 Parker Duofold Centennial Mandarin Cloisonne were ever released, making it a rare find. We have for sale a pre-owned unit with an M nib. It comes with its box (that has the coat of arms of the late Queen Elizabeth II, as Parker is the British royal family’s official writing instrument manufacturer), papers, and other inclusions. 

Length capped: approx. 13.49 cm.