Wearingeul “A Dream Within a Dream” Fountain Pen courtesy of Pen Chalet
Wearingeul began as a brand in 2016 when calligrapher Ahn Dong Hyuk began exploring physical ways to interpret literary works. Per Wearingeul’s website “ Wearingeul is a compound of “Wearing” and “Geul” which means “Writtern Works” in Korean. It reflects our philosophy of experiencing stories beyond reading, by carrying, expressing, and living them through color and form. Rather than simply imitating original works, Wearingeul infuses them with contemporary design and its own narrative. Through a synesthetic approach, we transform invisible art into design objects that can be seen, felt, and even sensed beyond the visual.”
Beginning with perfumes, then expanding to inks and stationery, they are now moving into pens. The Preface Series recently launched and introduced the first two models inspired by Edgar Allen Poe and Hermann Hesse; A Dream Within a Dream (Poe) and The Glass Bead Game (Hesse). Pen Chalet generously sent me the “A Dream Within a Dream” model to review. Thanks go out to them for sending this, and I have included the link to the product page above if you would like to order one for your collection as well.
Packaging: The packaging for this line is well thought out and aligns with the literary inspiration for the pen line. The light purple outer box, is printed to look like a bound book. The front of the box has imprints and gilding similar to a decorated bound book. “A Dream Within a Dream,” “Edgar Allan Poe,” and “Fountain Pen Preface Series” are all imprinted in gold, and the phrase “ The color palette of Literature” is printed in light purple. The side of the box continues this theme and looks like the side of a bound book with the title and author repeating from the front of the box as well as “Read Different” in light purple, and “No.005” at the top. The opposite side of the box has “Color Archive estd 2016 Where Color Begins,” “Verse in Color,” and the explanation “Wearingeul shapes thoughts in color and feeling, wearing emotion in each word and page, gently dyeing what is felt into language that lingers beyond the written.”
Inside the box is an insert envelope that matches the color of the box, with imprints matching the side of the outer box. Inside the envelope is a user guide, a slip with brand information, and a copy of the poem that inspired the pen. Alongside that, there is a black clamshell penbox that holds the pen. Inside the lid in black ink is imprinted “Literature Ink,” “Preface Series,” and “Literature Fountain Pen.”
First Thoughts: The material is ethereal and captures the essence of the poem and Poe’s style.
Design: Overall, the pen has a classic cigar shape, with domed cap and end finials. The cap gradually widens from the finial and remains straight until reaching the gold colored cap band. The matching gold colored clip starts about 20% into the cap, gradually tapers, before flaring slightly at the end. The clip is tight but easily clips onto pen cases or onto a shirt pocket and holds securely. The pen body gradually widens from the bottom finial and remains straight until reaching a small stepdown behind the cap threads. The threads are smooth and blend into the body. The grip section tapers until reaching the finger stop which is two grooves and adds a bit of flair and uniqueness to the grip section.
Nib Performance: The medium nib on this model is slightly smaller than the #5 nib but fits the aesthetic of the pen well and writes beautifully. I filled this with Monteverde Birthday Cake ink and it laid down perfectly balanced lines, not too wet and not too dry. The nib is engraved “Est. 2016,” “Wearingeul,” and “(M)” for medium.
Filling System: The pen comes with a converter but does use proprietary cartridges.
Value: $89 USD
Overall: The theme was executed perfectly on this model. The packaging, the materials, and most importantly the nib all work together to bring Edgar Allan Poe’s poem to life. This is my first experience with Wearingeul, pens or inks, and even with having been in the hobby for nearly 20 years, I was impressed with this pen. The build quality is great, the balance and weight of the pen fit my hand comfortably, and it is easy to use even for long writing sessions. I can’t wait to see what literary choices they pull inspiration from for future models.
Specs:
Name: A Dream Within a Dream Wearingeul Literature Preface
Design: Resin
Length: 140mm (5.51in)
Posted: 150mm (5.91in)
Diameter: 13.9mm (0.55in)
Weight: 24g (0.84oz)
Nib: Slightly smaller than #5
Filling System: Proprietary includes converter
Pros: Stunning material, well balanced, beautifully tuned nib
Cons: Proprietary filling system
In the same price range:
Diplomat Viper
Conklin Endura Deco Crest
Opus 88 Koloro
