Yumeng Fan's inspiration for Eternity came from observing the universe and its eternal, circular motion. He saw the circle as a symbol of eternity, infinity, and uniqueness. This inspired him to create a pen with a random texture that would embody his philosophical musings on time. The result is a writing instrument that allows users to feel the passage of time with their fingertips.
What sets Eternity apart from other pens is its unique design and high-quality materials. The body of the pen is made of metal, with a high-precision CNC aluminum tube serving as the pen holder. The pen clip, made from a zinc alloy, is hand-ground, adding to the pen's high-end appeal. The pen's light gray color, achieved through electroplating metal matte chromium, adds a touch of sophistication.
The production process of Eternity is as intricate as its design. The pen is first shaped using high-precision CNC aluminum tube turning technology. It is then frosted by sandblasting and polishing. Finally, the pen surface undergoes an anodic oxidation process to make the frosted texture smoother and glossier. This not only enhances the tactile experience but also softens the high reflectivity of the metal, adding to the pen's understated elegance.
Despite its philosophical inspiration, Eternity is designed for practical use. The pen clip, made using a zinc alloy casting technique, has a simple and elegant geometric shape. Its built-in spring structure ensures functionality, allowing the pen to be clipped onto books or pockets for easy portability.
The Eternity project was completed in March 2020 in Ningbo. It posed several design challenges, including the creation of a pen clip with a built-in spring structure. However, these challenges were successfully overcome, resulting in a pen that not only embodies the concept of eternity but is also functional and easy to carry.
Yumeng Fan's Eternity has been recognized for its innovative design and philosophical inspiration. It was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in Art and Stationery Supplies Design in 2021. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, creativity, and innovation. Eternity, with its unique texture and high-quality materials, certainly fits the bill.
Project Designers: Jianzhe Xie
Image Credits: Jianzhe Xie
Project Team Members: Designer:Yumeng Fan
Project Name: Eternity
Project Client: Jianzhe Xie