Top Scholar Pen: A Nod to Ancient Chinese Scholar Culture

Peng Su's Award-Winning Design Merges History, Functionality, and Eco-Friendliness

The Top Scholar Pen draws its inspiration from Xian, the ancient capital of China, where the first Chinese imperial examination was held. This historical event is of particular relevance to Guanzhong Shuyuan, the client for whom this design was created. Guanzhong Shuyuan was once one of the top four highest academic institutions in Shaanxi Province. The design pays homage to the top scholar, or Zhuangyuan, who was ranked first nationwide and highly respected for his merit.

What sets the Top Scholar Pen apart from other designs is its unique properties. The pen is handcrafted and made of environmentally friendly materials, with the exception of the ink. The pen cap is designed to resemble a top hat, similar to those worn by Chinese scholars in the past. The pen barrel mimics the Chinese fortune telling sticks holder, the Cim Bucket. The pens fit into the barrel to look like fortune sticks, symbolizing auspicious blessings for optimal academic performance. The Chinese characters written in calligraphy strokes on the pen and barrel pay tribute to imperial calligraphy by the ancient Emperor, a gift often given to the top scholar.

The Top Scholar Pen is made primarily of renewable kraft paper, with most other materials being recycled or environmentally friendly. The use of kraft paper gives the design a raw, subtle feel that resonates with the diligence of committed scholars of the past. The use of earth-friendly materials and the fact that the entire product is handcrafted promotes the oriental philosophy of harmony with nature. This design shows Peng Su's commitment to reducing the use of plastic in mass-produced pens.

The pen measures 160mm in height and 80mm in width, while the pen barrel measures 210mm in height and 450mm in width. Each barrel contains 10 pens. The design was realized in Xi'an over a period of three months, starting with product design, sample production, modifications, and enhancements, and ending with the production of the final product. The product debuted for sale at the Chung Chi Academy in June 2015.

The design of the Top Scholar Pen presented several challenges, the most significant of which was combining aesthetic design with historical relevance on an ordinary, widely used product. The market is flooded with substitutes for a pen, so Peng Su had to consider consumer behavior and brainstorm what would motivate them to be interested in this product. Naming the product the Top Scholar Pen gives the product a new meaning to the consumer that goes beyond the functionality of a pen. It is the symbolic meaning of using these pens as a lucky charm that would attract consumers.

The Top Scholar Pen is a testament to Peng Su's innovative approach to design, merging history, functionality, and environmental consciousness in a single product. This design not only pays homage to ancient Chinese scholar culture but also serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental sustainability in product design. The Top Scholar Pen is a unique, meaningful, and eco-friendly writing instrument that stands out in the crowded stationery market.