BACKGAMMON, A MANUAL GAME
8 May 2023TITLE: BACKGAMMON, A MANUAL GAME His tablet has attracted kings, heroes and emperors. But also the skilled hands of Pineider’s Florentine artisans, who paid homage to this game with a precious leather case and a very special instruction booklet. We opened it for you, discovering that… A BIT OF HISTORY Backgammon, in Italian Tavola Reale or Tric-Trac, is a board game for two players with a history that has spanned many centuries. Its origin is traced back to about 4500 years ago, or rather to the “Royal Game of Ur”, found in the tomb of a Sumerian king during excavations in the Mesopotamian city of the same name, in present-day Iraq. AND IT IS A DEBATE A subsequent discovery, however, seems to be able to anticipate the date of birth by about 100-200 years and transfer the birthplace to present-day Iran due to the discovery of a tablet during the archaeological excavations of the city of Shahr in the south-eastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan. The fact is that this game with very ancient roots has crossed many Eastern and Western cultures. To name a few: ancient Greece, India, ancient Egypt. Even China and Japan. Every culture has added or modified the rules of the game, changed the name or varied meanings, even giving an astral or symbolic vision of man’s destiny. HOW TO PLAY Backgammon is a strategy game where players sit facing each other, facing opposite sides of the board. On the board are drawn 24 narrow triangles called points. The colors of the triangles alternate, and are grouped into four quadrants of six. The four quadrants are the inside (home) board and both players’ outside board and are separated by a strip called the “bar”, which divides the board into two equal-width parts. Each player’s home is the right quadrant facing each other. The inner quadrants are opposite each other, as are the outer ones, which are located to the left of each player. The objective of each player is to move his checkers from the opponent’s home board to his own, following a horseshoe-shaped path, counterclockwise. The triangles are numbered from 1 to 24: number 24 is furthest from the player and number 1 is the rightmost one in the home board. Players have to make the checkers follow the reverse paths, therefore the first point of one player is the 24th of the other and vice versa. Each player must place their 15 checkers in order to start playing. Checkers come in two colors, usually white and red, or black and white. To place them on the board, each of the two players must place two checkers in point number 24, three in number 8, five in number 13, and the other five in number 6. The player with the highest number starts playing first. If both get the same result, the roll is re-rolled. In backgammon, the winner scores no points, but the opponent loses. So if you win, your opponent will lose the points marked on the doubling die, or even double or triple that value. The doubling die is not an ordinary die to roll, but rather a scorekeeper. It starts with the value 1, but you can increase it each turn, before rolling the dice. If you want to double the bet, and your opponent accepts, then the doubling die is rolled over to show the new value, and is placed in your opponent’s field. He becomes its owner and may offer another double during any of his future turns. If the opponent does not accept the double, he must concede the game and lose the original value of the bet. You can double down multiple times but, by custom, you don’t double more than three or four times in the course of a game. You can start with any checker you like, but it’s a good idea to remove checkers from your opponent’s home right away. You lose the turn if you can’t move any checkers and to win you must be the first player to take all checkers off the board. As? Rolling a roll that allows you to reach or go over the edge of the board. PINEIDER’S BACKGAMMON To pay homage to the most iconic of board games, the Florentine artisans of Pineider have created an elegant leather-covered box that also contains the Checkers game. The set, completely handmade, consists of two pairs of hand-decorated dice, an aluminum numerical dice, two leather-covered glasses, 30 resin checkers with the Pineider logo and two pairs of dice from 1 to 6 in aluminum (all contained in an elegant container of microfiber pieces and dice). Aggiungi ai preferiti
Guide to the Perfect Personalized Engraving Fountain Pen
20 April 2023Fountain pens are a timeless symbol of elegance and refinement, a tribute to the beauty of the past that is still appreciated and loved today. However, personalized fountain pens are even more special because they not only express one’s personality but also encapsulate a meaning that only the owner can fully understand. Nothing can equate the satisfaction of holding a unique and personalized fountain pen. Pineider, offers the opportunity to customize your fountain pen, ensuring an exceptional level of quality and a wide range of options to choose from. Jump to: How to customize your Fountain Pen? Pineider’s Best Personalized Fountain Pens Avatar UR Matt Avatar UR Avatar UR Demo with clear nib Avatar UR Demo with dark nib Avatar UR Glossy Avatar Touch Down Conclusion How to customize your Fountain Pen? In the world of luxury items, one concept emerges that stands out above all others: customization. When you invest in a personalized product, it becomes unique and represents the recipient or owner forever. Among personalized items, fountain pens with personalized engravings are a priceless treasure. Customizing a fountain pen is an important process that requires meticulous attention and thorough care. First, it is essential to select the pen that fully meets one’s aesthetic and functional needs, while also considering the different nib types available, such as medium, fine and extra fine. Next, you need to decide on the type of customization you want, the engraving of one’s name or initials on the pen, with the option of selecting the preferred location and font. In addition, Pineider offers a variety of choices, including color and material selection, ensuring unlimited creative freedom and the ability to create a unique fountain pen that accurately reflects one’s personality and individual style. Pineider’s Best Personalized Fountain Pens Pineider offers a wide range of personalized fountain pens, each with a distinctive personal touch. The elegance and sophistication of these personalized fountain pens are the result of a meticulous approach to design, to ensure extraordinary performance. Below, we present a selection of the best custom fountain pens to choose from: Avatar UR Matt The Avatar UR Matt fountain pen is one of Pineider’s most elegant and sophisticated designs. Made of matte metal, this customizable fountain pen features a satin finish that gives it a refined and exclusive look. Its slender, curvy shape also makes it easy to hold and use for writing. Available colors: Black Lapis Blue Ice Blue Military Green Mint Cherry Stone Avatar UR The Avatar UR fountain pen is a slightly different version, featuring a more minimalist and modern design. This model features a glossy, reflective finish that enhances its beauty and uniqueness. Made of Ultraresin, a compound of resin and mother-of-pearl, and available in different color shades, the Avatar UR fountain pen is an attractive option for those seeking a personalized writing instrument with a modern and eye-catching appearance. Available colors: Forest Angel Skin Devil Red Graphene Black Riace Bronze Abalone Green Neptune Blue Avatar UR Demo with clear nib The Avatar UR Demo fountain pen, on the other hand, is a model that stands out for its transparency. Thanks to the crystalline finish of its body, in fact, it is possible to admire the beauty of its internal mechanics, which gives this engravable fountain pen a unique and unmistakable appearance. The veretta pays homage to Florence, while the clip draws inspiration from the feather, an ancient writing instrument. Available colors: Wine Red Clear Amber Sky Blue Avatar UR Demo with dark nib The Avatar UR Demo fountain pen with a dark nib represents a refined and classy variant of the previous model, thanks to its Ultraresin construction that makes it shock-resistant. This customizable fountain pen with an exclusive and sophisticated style is the perfect choice for writing enthusiasts who want to stand out with a uniquely designed object. The sleek shape and shiny finish gives this fountain pen a look of great elegance and sophistication, making it a true symbol of style. Available colors: Wine Red Clear Amber Sky Blue Avatar UR Glossy The Avatar UR Glossy fountain pen is a variation of the Black Matt version. The glossy, reflective finish of this engravable fountain pen makes it even more elegant and sophisticated. Its minimalist and modern design, along with its glossy finish, makes it an ideal choice for those looking for a personalized fountain pen that stands out for its beauty and uniqueness. Available in a variety of shades, the Avatar UR Black Glossy fountain pen features a magnetic closure and palladium metal parts, undoubtedly representing a highly elegant choice for those who desire a personalized fountain pen with a modern and charming appearance. Avatar Touch Down The Avatar Touch Down fountain pen is a model that stands out for its innovative and cutting-edge technology. With innovative technology, this customizable fountain pen features a quick and easy-to-use filling mechanism and combines short writing with long writing. In addition, its ergonomically designed shape makes it extremely comfortable to hold and use for writing. Available colors: Forest Clear Graphene Black Neptune Blue Devil Red Conclusion In summary, the wide selection of personalized fountain pens offered by Pineider is absolutely unparalleled and allows you to own an exclusive product, specially crafted to meet your needs. Opting for a Pineider custom fountain pen means you can boast an item of unparalleled beauty and quality, perfect for writing with elegance and sophistication. Aggiungi ai preferiti
Touch down: the innovative and colorful fountain pen
18 April 2023Avatar Traveler combines the typical characteristics of the avatar collection, resistance of the material, magnetic closure, clip with refined mechanics, a filling system that allows not only a great autonomy of writing, but also a great safety use. Travel without the worry of having ink leaks and without to be obliged to carry your fountain pen in an upright position. In addition to safety, one of the most important features of the Avatar Traveler is the filling system, called Twin Tank Touchdown, which allows you to choose two different writing ways: short writing and long writing, which are activated thanks to an ingenious mechanism inside of the caseback. It allows you to open and close the ink passage quickly and intuitively. If you want to reload the writing part, then the front tank is enough to rotate the bottom counterclockwise a few degrees and a spring positions the mechanism in the open position. To force the ink towards the nib, you can press it 2 or 3 times without insisting because it is not necessary. To return it to the closed position, press it, making sure that the pawls are aligned, and rotate it a few degrees about ¼ of a turn to lock it without forcing it. Twin Tanks Touchdown instructions for use FILLING THE PEN: The plunger works with a distinctive mechanism; pressing the seal creates a vacuum which leads to the ink section. When you want to load the pen, you have to rotate the bottom counterclockwise until the spring releases it and pushes it upwards. Once the ink has completely covered the section, just press the back and tighten it by turning it to the LOCK position (In short writing mode). SHORT WRITING: In the short writing position, the pen writes for a few pages in complete safety because the plunger closes the ink duct and protects the pen from ink leaks due to pressure (For this reason the pen is safe even during flights and during any temperature change). The caseback is positioned on LOCK. LONG WRITING: In the long writing position, the plunger frees the duct and allows the passage of ink with an autonomy of 5 or 6 cartridges. The caseback is positioned on OPEN. When you finish writing, we advise you to reposition it on LOCK. REFUELING: In the Long writing position, by pressing the bottom 2 or 3 times you can refuel the small tank if all its contents have been used. If you want, on the contrary, empty it, just do the same operation keeping the nib pointing upwards. USE IN PLANE: in the short writing position if you want to refuel the small front tank during flights, position the nib upwards and rotate the bottom to long writing (OPEN), turn the pen and proceed as in the previous point. Material: The material is a mother-of-pearl and resin compound developed in Florence for Pineider which we called UltraResin. A rigid material, resistant to shocks, oils, inks, electricity, high and low temperatures, ultraviolet rays and atmospheric agents. The chrome effect and bright colors combined with the resistance and particularity of the material makes this pen of great taste but suitable for everyday use. Colors: The collection consists of 4 colors: Forest green, Neptune Blue, Devil Red, Full Clear Demo. Clip: The sophisticated steel clip, which recalls a feather, is empowered by a mechanism inside the cap, with a magnet that always brings the clip back to the same position. Eternity: Finely engraved with the Florence skyline. Packaging: Elegant Pineider box. Watch the full video Aggiungi ai preferiti
Types of handwriting: elegant cursive
17 April 2023Handwriting is an ancient art that has undergone many evolutions over the centuries. There are several types of cursive handwriting, each with its own distinctive identity and characteristics. Some of the most common are Italic or Italian cursive, which has an emphasis on artistic calligraphy; American cursive or Spencerian cursive, which has an elegant and harmonious appearance; and English cursive or Copperplate, which has a formal and sophisticated appearance. Jump to: The meaning of elegant cursive in calligraphy Italic cursive: the Italian writing tradition American cursive: an ancient art for modern communication Copperplate cursive: an English font with a unique history Conclusion The meaning of elegant cursive in calligraphy Elegant cursive handwriting is a style that is distinguished by its formal and sophisticated appearance. This lettering style is characterized by flowing, harmonious lines that create a coherent and uncluttered visual impression. Elegant handwriting is often used on formal occasions, such as writing letters or signing important documents, or to create artistic calligraphy. Mastering this elegant writing style requires training and skill development, but once the technique is mastered, practice can be very rewarding and produce high-level results. Italic cursive: the Italian writing tradition Cancelleresque calligraphy, also known as Italic, is a cursive writing style with a history spanning centuries. Originating in Italy, it is an essential part of its literary and artistic tradition. It is considered the source of all cursive used in Western countries today and has a strong element of decoration and a typical Renaissance feel, but at the same time it maintains a high legibility due to the familiarity we still have with handwriting. Italian Renaissance artists and calligraphers developed an elegant and refined writing style, which influenced many of that period’s artworks and written documents. Today, this type of classical calligraphy is preferred by many calligraphers, both in Europe and in other parts of the world. Italic cursive is very versatile and can be used in many different contexts, from personal letter writing to art and work projects. To create effective italic cursive handwriting, attention must be paid to many nuances, such as pen angle, line width, and letter shape. Practice and perseverance are key to becoming proficient in using italic cursive. American cursive: an ancient art for modern communication American cursive, also known as Spencerian cursive, is a style of cursive writing that was developed in the United States during the 19th century. It was created by Platt Rogers Spencer, a teacher of calligraphy and handwriting, and became very popular because of its beauty and legibility. Spencerian cursive was used in many of the publications and documents written in America during the 19th and early 20th centuries, but it was gradually replaced by other more modern and mechanized writing styles. However, recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in Spencerian cursive, and many calligraphers and artists have rediscovered its beauty and versatility. Spencerian cursive is characterized by elegant, supple curves with a slight rightward slope, and it has a distinctive aesthetic that sets it apart from other cursive writing styles. Today, Spencerian cursive is still taught and used as an artistic writing and calligraphy style, and many artists have adapted and reworked it to create artwork or work projects in an elegant and sophisticated way. Its classic beauty makes it an attractive option for projects that require a formal touch and vintage aesthetic. Moreover, similar to Pineider, many calligraphers and artists continue to study and practice American cursive to preserve and promote the tradition of calligraphy. Copperplate cursive: an English font with a unique history English Cursive was developed as a commercial script in England in the 18th century and achieved widespread use in the following century, so much so that it is still taught in elementary school in many countries in Europe. Also known as Copperplate, this handwriting font features a decorative and eccentric design, with alternating light and dark and particularly elaborate capital letters. At the same time, English Italic is sophisticated and easily readable because of its recognizability. Its success is due to the spread of the fountain pen, a modern evolution of the turkey pen that replaced the quill pen used for writing until the 19th century. As the effects of the Industrial Revolution progressed, fountain pens finally supplanted the quill pen. English Italic, or Copperplate, is still used today by many public administrations in their official communications. In the artistic field, it is often used to create invitations, menus, business cards, labels and other forms of design. In the practical field, it is used for handwriting formal letters, notes and memos. Conclusion Pineider is the ideal place for those who want to explore their passion for different types of handwriting and calligraphy, and for those looking for high-quality products to enhance their experience. Fountain pens offer greater flexibility and strength than traditional goose nibs. This has enabled calligraphers and artists to create more elaborate and high-quality works. Therefore, Pineider also offers a wide range of high-quality fountain pen nib products, including inks and refill, and other writing accessories for our luxury pens to best support this creative process. Pineider offers a unique and comprehensive writing experience for those who wish to rediscover the pleasure of handwriting and elevate their skills with the Beautiful Handwriting Workshop. In addition, we offer a Florentine Writing Workshop with the aim of discovering the world of calligraphy through the works of the most famous Florentine authors and teaching the ancient art of calligraphy that dates back to Renaissance Tuscany. Aggiungi ai preferiti
5 Gift Ideas for Father’s Day «You can’t go wrong»
9 March 2023We asked Paolo, the store manager of our Milan boutique, which gifts a dad will never forget. «That for the children is the greatest love of all, for this reason every gift I have received from Gaia is an indelible memory». Paolo Percudani, store manager of the Pineider boutique in Milan, prepares every year for Father’s Day by thinking of his daughter, who is now a graduate student ready to enter the world of work and who every March 19 «continues to surprise me with his original thoughts,” he adds. “From my experience, I’m sure it’s same thing for all the dads in the world.” And so, when we asked for advice on the best gift to give to a father, Paolo is ready to rattle off his own little list of ideas “that you can’t go wrong with”. Here they are: 1) A personalized pen: «It was the first gift that Gaia gave me for Father’s Day, a dedication was engraved on it. I advise customers to customize the models in our range of Avatar pens, which were born for customization, like all our products after all» 2) A pocket accessory: «Something that a father always carries with him when he travels, to keep him company at work or in his free time. I always recommend starting from the essential needs, those of the “carry something”: a wallet, a key ring, a passport holder… All accessories that Pineider is able to customize». 3) A board game: «Our children know how much we fathers like to play. It’s in our nature, even as we grow up. This is why Pineider has dedicated a collection of accessories to the most traditional games, ennobling even the most common with its precious materials: from trump cards to poker ones, from backgammon to the Florentine game of the goose. Perhaps it is the idea that can do for you». 4) A touch of style in the office: «For those who have a father who spends most of his time sitting at his desk, there is no more exciting gift than an object that reminds him of his loved ones in the workplace: the picture frame of leather for a photograph, but also functional accessories such as the mouse pad, the desk pad, the business card holder and many other office products from the Pineider catalogue». 5) A handwritten letter: «That’s right, a handwritten letter. It is the thought that counts: that of a grown-up son who wants to create an adult dialogue with his father, on an equal footing, in which he can share confidences and ask for advice. Find the words and we’ll take care of the rest. Aggiungi ai preferiti
Poetry belongs to paper
20 February 2023Subscription is open for the poetry course organized by the Molly Bloom and Pineider Academy “Writing flows from hand to paper, recreating sounds, voices and worlds that no artificial intelligence can yet invent”. This is how Gilda Policastro, poet, writer and professor at the Molly Bloom Academy in Rome, describes the indissoluble link between handwriting and poetic inspiration. A combination that has led to the birth of a poetry course in the Milanese spaces of the Pineider boutique. Through the deepening of the classics and the meeting with contemporary authors, Gilda Policastro will accompany you in the discovery of “Poetry and Poets”, this is the title of the course, which will be held starting from Monday 6 March from 5.30 to 7 pm in our boutique in via Manzoni 12. Molly Bloom is a school founded in Rome by Leonardo Colombati and Emanuele Trevi, which brings together some of the best writers, directors, screenwriters, musicians and journalists of our country with the aim of teaching creative writing to apply it to the fields of literature, music, entertainment, media and business. But without ever forgetting the experience from which everything always begins: handwriting. Sign up for the poetry class HERE Aggiungi ai preferiti
Psycho Wins the Pen Award
1 November 2022Dante Del Vecchio, Master pen maker of Pineider told us about the characteristics of the pen that won the most important international competition. We met Dante del Vecchio to ask him more about his creations. Below is an excerpt from our interview. What inspired you when you have created the Psycho pen? Like every creation I make, there is always something that drives me, at a subconscious level, to express my ideas. When I set out to create Psycho I wanted to represent the human psycho: so complex. Sometimes twisted and for this I created an elegant but intertwined superstructure. A finished weaving. What do you think about when you think of a pen project to make? Every time I create a pen I look for the opportunity to express myself. I like my pens to communicate a feeling, an idea, a concept, albeit abstract but not too much. When my pens arouse an emotion, I am happy and feel I have done a good job. I let myself be inspired by everything around me: a philosophical concept, a book, an idea or even an airplane. Literally everything! How do you recognize your touch in a pen? I think my greatest quality is originality. I somehow manage to create different, creative and technological pens, which have a select audience that recognizes and esteems me. What is the passion for Dante del Vecchio? It’s all you do with your heart and not with your mind. It’s all you hear, hear, see and perceive not with your reason but with your heart. It’s something you feel pulsing inside your stomach. The passion is visceral. Did you always know that making pens was your way? No, absolutely no. Passion is also a profession that came to me over time. The pens on the market didn’t satisfy me and so over time I learned to observe and understand not only what I liked to do, but also what others are doing. What does this award represent for you? It’s a great satisfaction. It’s always nice to receive recognition, even if I got my first award in 1993. But this is especially special for my second life. It is the first prize I receive with Pineider and this makes me happy, even if to be honest, my greatest satisfaction is the people who choose my creations and are happy in buying my pens. What are you working on now? Can you give us some spoilers? No, I won’t give you any spoilers. I really can’t, but I tell you that those who follow me and have a passion for my creations will really have fun. Aggiungi ai preferiti
Your passions, our story
We have founded the first Pineider’s blog, a tribute to the history of the brand, to the secrets of handwriting and to the culture of Florentine craftsmanship. Dear friend, Starting today we want to give voice to our centennial history and our love for craftsmanship through a constant, contemporary and detailed story. “Digital is the immutable realm of anonymity, manual writing that of unrepeatable singularities that rebel against the mechanism of seriality and correspond to authentic luxury”, wrote Enrico Dal Buono in Pineider’s “Manifesto” that the great Pierfrancesco Favino interpreted for us. Our first blog was therefore born to tell the story, the characteristics and the craftsmanship of tools and accessories that make life an intertwining of passions. Indeed, Pineider is a kaleidoscope of precious products, experiences and traditions united by a passion for life and for luxury, which is the ability to know how to make every moment important: at work, in your free time, during a trip. It is an attitude that at Pineider we call culture. This is why we felt the need to tell you who we are, where we come from, what we do and why we do it through a weekly appointment. We will talk about writing, craftsmanship and research, we will listen to the advice of experts, we will study etiquette, we will learn about the secrets of ink and paper, but also the difference between the materials that make our products unique, eternal and precisely for this reason sustainable. …Enjoy the reading! Giuseppe Rossi Aggiungi ai preferiti
Persol and Pineider: celebrating a marriage of passion and craftsmanship
27 October 2022We are pleased to have contributed to the creation of this intense Limited Edition of Persol eyewear that will be launched on Valentine’s Day. Which is the best gift you can give to the people you love? A pair of Persol glasses, carefully selected and enriched by beautiful Pineider accessories. With every purchase, a gift for you in a limited edition signed by Persol and Pineider. Make your gifts unique with Pineider customization and dedication cards. Discover the entire capsule in all Pineider boutiques and on the Persol website. Works of art shaped by timeless elegance and innovation: Persol sunglasses, all handmade in Italy. Inspire your conversations. Aggiungi ai preferiti
Pineider and Carolina Bucci: the Italian spirit
24 October 2022Pineider x Carolina Bucci: a collaboration between two brands that have exported the wisdom of Florentine artisans all over the world. Jewelery box A boundless elegance, a unique and unrepeatable design: The Pineider x Carolina Bucci jewelry box was designed to keep your most important pieces in a beautiful setting. Made of soft brown calfskin with blue velvet lining, it contains two drawers and three removable trays for storing watches, bracelets, rings and ornamental objects. A removable velvet travel case and mirror complete the design of this box. Safe Book The Pineider x Carolina Bucci “safe book” or Safe book is a playful and elegant way to store your jewels, hiding them in plain sight. From the outside it resembles an antique book, while inside is a secure compartment lined in a rich blue velvet. Aggiungi ai preferiti
