Patron of art – Tribute to Moctezuma I

This year, Montblanc has chosen to pay tribute to the Aztec people. The Limited Edition 4810 is dedicated to this great ruler who reigned over one of the most extraordinary civilizations in history. These pens are handcrafted by artisans with the utmost care. There are two types. The first is limited to 4,810 pieces, referencing the height of Mont Blanc. The other, even more precious, is limited to 888 pieces, referencing the number 9, a lucky number in Asia. This writing instrument embodies the fascinating culture of the Aztec people.

The Montblanc Patron of Art Homage to Moctezuma I Limited Edition 4810 pays tribute to Moctezuma I, ruler of the Aztec Empire crowned in 1440, a period considered the golden age of this civilization. The design of the pen is inspired by the atlatl, a spear-throwing device used by the Aztecs. The cone, with its hammered finish, evokes an Aztec sacrificial knife with an obsidian blade. The lacquer colors, petroleum blue and carmine red, reflect those of Moctezuma I's royal cloak. Two hieroglyphs adorning the cap symbolize the years of his reign. The 18K gold nib is engraved with a pattern representing the Aztec glyph of the city of Tenochtitlán: a three-armed cactus topped with a royal diadem and two scrolls. This edition is limited to 4,810 pieces, a symbolic number for Montblanc, representing the altitude of Mont Blanc in meters.

This exceptional pen celebrates Aztec art and spirituality with a handcrafted turquoise mosaic adorning a cap inspired by the atlatl. The barrel made of noble and rare cocobolo wood harmoniously contrasts with the patinated gold inlays, jade cabochons, and a symbolic central motif. The Montblanc Patron of Art Homage to Moctezuma I Limited Edition 87 embodies the grandeur of an imperial legacy, blending refinement and power.

Its 18K white gold nib is finely engraved with the Aztec glyph of the heart. Other subtle details — evoking obsidian, the quetzal, or sacred ornaments — extend this tribute. Together, they celebrate the reign of Ilhuicamina with a rare visual poetry.

Mystery of the Aztec People

Moctezuma I, also known as Moctezuma Ilhuicamina (which means "he who shoots an arrow into the sky"), was crowned in 1440 at the head of the great Aztec empire. This event marks the beginning of the Aztec golden age. During his reign, he shaped the image we know today, that of an empire of extreme cultural and mythological wealth. His capital, Tenochtitlan, present-day Mexico City, became prosperous. A great builder, he constructed dikes, temples, palaces, and schools. Artisans came from afar to decorate his buildings with all imaginable splendor. Thus, at its founding under the reign of Moctezuma I, the city of present-day Mexico already had the dimensions of a true metropolis with nearly 200,000 inhabitants.