Michel Audiard Wild Kingdom Sterling Silver Limited Edition Fountain Pen, early 1990s

This exquisite writing instrument was handcrafted from solid sterling silver in the early 1990s to symbolize elements from the animal kingdom: Horse, Dolphin, Frog, Fox, Elephant, and Bear. 

The horse is a majestic animal that embodies spiritual power, independence, freedom, nobleness, endurance, confidence, triumph, heroism, and competition. Its symbol is associated with strength, courage, and freedom.

The spiritual meaning of a dolphin is associated with peace, harmony, joy, cooperation, and freedom. Dolphins are seen as symbols of luck, protection, and playfulness. They also represent inner strength, the importance of helping others, and the power of intuition.

In many cultures, the frog is associated with themes of transformation, fertility, and rebirth. For instance, in ancient Egyptian mythology, the frog was considered a symbol of fertility and new life, as it was believed to emerge from the waters of the Nile during the annual flood, signifying the renewal of the land.

The fox, a symbol of cunning, intelligence, and adaptability, has left a lasting imprint on cultural and mythological narratives globally. From folklore to mythology, it is frequently depicted as a crafty trickster, outwitting animals and humans with its wit.

Elephants are sacred symbols in Hindu and Buddhist religions, representing loyalty, power, wisdom, and fertility. They are also associated with water and rainfall, and the shape, size, and color of their bodies are said to symbolize clouds.

In many indigenous cultures, bears are revered as powerful and sacred beings. They are often associated with qualities such as strength, courage, protection, and wisdom. Bears are seen as symbols of fertility and abundance, representing the cycles of life and the connection between humans and the natural world.

Each of Michael Audiard's writing instruments bears his distinctive signature markings in precious metal and limited edition number. Regrettably Michael could make only a few of each limited edition because a fire burnt the factory to the ground, along with all his materials to a factory fire, rendering these exceptional works of art exceedingly rare and sought-after today.

Michel Audiard is a renowned self-taught sculptor known for his exceptional craftsmanship in creating various artworks. In 1978, he established his lost-wax bronze foundry in Rochecorbon, France, where he meticulously designs and produces his creations. From delicate jewelry weighing a few grams to monumental sculptures weighing several tons, including furniture and statues, Audiard's artistic prowess knows no bounds. During the 1990s, he ventured into crafting unique sculpture pens using exotic materials like mammoth ivory, meteorite, petrified wood, and precious metals, captivating business leaders and even 70 heads of state who now own their own exclusive "Audiard" writing instrument. His innovative approach and distinctive style have cemented his legacy as a world-class sculptor whose works are cherished by many."

Date of Launch: Early 1990s
Edition size: One-of-a-piece