arteavita
Black Dahlia handmade 5.6mm sketch Pencil/Ballpoint
“A writing instrument inspired by the language of architecture.”
Black Dahlia is a one-of-a-kind writing instrument that blurs the boundary between architecture, sculpture, and craftsmanship. Individually hand-carved from reclaimed African Grade A+ ebony, each piece celebrates the beauty of flowing form, natural material, and the quiet precision of handmade creation.
Designed as both a 5.6 mm sketch pencil and a refined ballpoint pen, Black Dahlia is more than a writing instrument. It is a collectible object created for those who appreciate thoughtful design, exceptional materials, and the timeless value of true craftsmanship.
The Concept
Black Dahlia was never intended to be simply a pencil.
It was conceived as a small piece of architecture that happens to write.
Its flowing geometry is inspired by the continuous movement found in nature and architecture, where no line truly begins or ends. Every surface transforms into another, creating a sculptural form that changes with light and movement. As it rotates in the hand, new highlights and shadows emerge, revealing a different character from every angle.
The soft transitions between planes invite the fingers to naturally find their own resting place, creating an intuitive and comfortable grip. Every curve is carefully hand-shaped to achieve a balance between beauty, ergonomics, and expression.
Each piece is individually carved, sanded, and polished by hand, allowing the natural grain of the reclaimed ebony to influence the final form. Rather than concealing the individuality of the material, the process celebrates it.
Black Dahlia is an invitation to slow down and reconnect with the pleasure of drawing, writing, and creating. It reflects a philosophy of simplicity, movement, balance, and quiet beauty, transforming an everyday object into a timeless companion.
Craftsmanship
Every Black Dahlia begins as a carefully selected piece of reclaimed African Grade A+ ebony.
The entire process, from carving and shaping to sanding and polishing, is completed entirely by hand. No CNC machining or mass production is involved. Every surface bears the subtle evidence of the maker’s hands, making each instrument impossible to reproduce exactly.
Creating a single piece requires many hours of careful craftsmanship, allowing the design to evolve through a dialogue between the artisan and the natural character of the wood.
The result is an object that is not manufactured, but sculpted.
Specifications
Collection
Black Dahlia
Type
Hand-Carved Sketch Pencil & Ballpoint Pen
Length
120 mm
Material
Reclaimed African Ebony Wood (Grade A+)
Graphite Size
5.6 mm
Compatible Refills
- 5.6 mm Graphite Leads (H to B grades)
- D1 Ballpoint Pen Refill Converter
Origin
Handmade in Greece
About the Designer
Black Dahlia is designed and handcrafted by Reza Khakpour, an architect, designer, and founder of Arteavita.
After years of designing architecture, including high-rise buildings and internationally recognized projects, Reza turned his attention from the scale of cities to the scale of the human hand. His internationally awarded design philosophy continues to explore the same timeless principles: movement, light, proportion, material, and the emotional connection between people and the objects they use every day.
For him, a writing instrument is far more than a functional tool. It is a small architectural composition where sculpture, craftsmanship, and function exist in harmony.
Every Arteavita piece is an expression of this philosophy, transforming architecture into an object that can be held, experienced, and used every day.
Every Piece is Unique
Wood is a living material. Its grain, texture, color, and character can never be duplicated.
For this reason, no two Black Dahlia writing instruments are ever exactly alike. Each piece develops its own personality through the natural qualities of the wood and the handcrafting process.
If this particular piece has already found its owner, another can be created following the same philosophy and design language. However, it will always be a unique work in its own right.
Owning a Black Dahlia means owning the only one of its kind.
Designed and Handcrafted by Reza Khakpour
Architecture. Sculpture. Craftsmanship.





