The Imperial Amboyna
What makes this pen special?
Some pieces of wood have grain. Others seem to have a story to tell.
The Imperial Amboyna is made from beautifully figured Amboyna burl, a wood prized for its intricate and unpredictable patterns. Rich honey, golden-brown and reddish tones flow through the barrel, with darker areas creating a dramatic contrast that changes as the light catches the surface.
Because this is burl wood, the grain doesn't simply run from one end of the pen to the other. It twists, swirls and moves in different directions, creating a pattern that is completely unique to this particular piece of timber.
I have turned and polished the wood to reveal as much of that natural character as possible, giving it a deep, glossy finish that brings the figuring to life.
The ornate Imperial fittings add another layer of detail, complementing the complexity of the wood while giving the pen its substantial, traditional character.
And there is a choice of how you write with it. The Imperial Amboyna can be supplied as either a smooth rollerball or a fountain pen, allowing you to choose the writing experience that suits you.
Nature did the interesting bit. I just had to uncover it.
Who is this pen for?
The Imperial Amboyna is for someone who appreciates natural materials, unusual figuring and traditional craftsmanship.
It would make a particularly memorable gift for a writer, professional, collector or anyone who enjoys owning something genuinely individual.
No two pieces of burl are alike, so this is a pen with character that simply cannot be reproduced.
Features / Specifications
• Handmade using beautifully figured natural Amboyna burl
• Intricate swirling and highly figured natural grain
• Rich honey, golden-brown and reddish tones
• Every pen has its own unique pattern and character
• High-gloss polished finish
• Ornate Imperial-style metal fittings
• Substantial and comfortable design
• Available as either a rollerball or fountain pen
• Fountain pen option available with a choice of nib sizes
• Refillable for years of use
• Supplied ready to write
• Handmade in the UK by The Pen Guy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the exact pen I will receive?
Yes. This is the actual handmade pen shown in the photographs. The unusual figuring you see is unique to this particular piece of wood.
Can I choose between a fountain pen and rollerball?
Yes. The Imperial Amboyna can be supplied as either a fountain pen or rollerball. If you choose the fountain pen version, you can select your preferred nib size from the available options.
What is Amboyna burl?
Amboyna is a highly figured burl wood traditionally associated with the Amboyna tree. Burl develops when the growth of a tree becomes irregular, creating the swirling and intricate grain patterns that make each piece so distinctive.
Is every piece of Amboyna the same?
Not at all. That's part of its appeal. The colour, grain, figuring and amount of burl character can vary enormously from one piece to another. Your pen is therefore genuinely individual.
Will the grain look exactly like the photographs?
Yes — the photographs show the actual pen you will receive. Natural wood can appear slightly different under different lighting conditions and on different screens.
Is the wood durable?
Amboyna burl is well suited to fine decorative woodworking and pen making. Once carefully turned, sealed and polished, it provides a beautiful material for a functional handmade pen.
Is this pen refillable?
Yes. Both the rollerball and fountain pen versions are refillable, allowing you to enjoy your pen for many years.
 
Nature did the interesting bit. I just had to uncover it.