Sonnenleder Pencil Case "Novalis" natural

The Sonnenleder „Novalis" writing case houses a complete writing instrument collection in a handcrafted leather case made from South German bovine leather. The leather is tanned in Germany using traditional pit tanning methods with purely plant-based materials – without chromium, using infusions of bark, roots and fruits. The natural surface feels warm and tactile, smells intensely of leather, and develops a distinctive patina with every year of use.

Features

• Plant-based pit tanning: The bovine leather is tanned in Germany using time-honoured vegetable methods – without chromium salts. This creates a lively, breathable surface that is gentle on fountain pens and delicate finishes and does not rub off colour.
• Leather interior lining: The interior lining is also made of leather – no textiles or synthetic fibres. Writing instruments rest softly without scratching.
• 14 loops for writing instruments: 1 dedicated loop for a fountain pen, 12 additional loops for pens or accessories, 1 loop for a ruler up to 17 cm – everything organised, nothing slips.
• 2 tabs for small accessories: Two separate tabs provide space for erasers or sharpeners – within easy reach without taking up space in the writing instrument loops.
• German-made rubber webbing: The loops consist of rubber webbing that securely holds pens of varying thickness – from slim gel pens to thicker wooden pencils.
• Polished metal zip: The polished metal zip closes the case all round – pens and nibs are protected even in a rucksack, without anything falling out or catching.
• Living patina: Rain, sun and warmth alter the natural pale surface over time. No two Novalis cases look the same after years of use – each case develops its own colour gradient and surface character.
• Pure handcraft: Every case is made by hand in Germany – cutting, loops, zip.

Use & Tips

• Fountain pen transport: The first loop is designed for fountain pens – wide enough for standard piston fillers, snug enough that nothing tips. Pens with clips slip in and out effortlessly.
• Mixed collection: Those working with fine-tip pens, pencils, mechanical pencils and fountain pens have plenty of space across the 13 writing instrument loops for a complete everyday kit.
• Using the ruler loop: The ruler loop accommodates rulers up to 17 cm – for layout sketches, calligraphy guidelines or watercolour masking.
• Breaking in: Fresh from production, the leather is still quite stiff. After a few weeks of use it becomes more supple and fits better around the contents.
• Care: For the natural tone, colourless wax-based leather care is recommended. Those wanting a faster, darker patina can lightly dampen the case and let it dry in the sun – the surface responds visibly.
• Transport: When closed, the Novalis fits flat into any bag or rucksack. The compact dimensions (19 × 10 × 2.5 cm) make it a practical everyday companion at the desk and on the move.

For Leather Enthusiasts

In plant-based pit tanning, hides rest for weeks in pits with varying tannin concentrations – a process that is rarely practised today because it is slower than chrome tanning, but gives the leather a particularly dense fibre structure and natural durability. The result is leather that absorbs moisture, releases it again and remains more dimensionally stable than chrome-tanned leather. The natural pale colour of the Novalis case is achieved without a pigmented topcoat – the surface reveals the genuine grain structure of the hide, with all the natural irregularities that make each piece unique.

Technical Specifications