A S Batle Company - Sculptor Agelio Batle makes these unusual objects that are equally a piece of art and a functional drawing/writing tool. Each Graphite Object is pain stakingly hand-crafted in his San Francisco studio. First, he hand carves an original design using clay. With extreme pressure, carbonaceous graphite (same material in pencils) and smudge-resistant compounds are fused into a reproducible form utilizing a proprietary technique that the artist himself invented. Finally using delicate carving and traditional finishing techniques, the Graphite Object is completed. All of the objects’ surfaces can draw and the graphite will resist smudging onto the users hands. Even with daily use the Graphite Objects frequently last 7 to 9 years. Perfect for gift giving, each Graphite Object is wonderfully packaged with signed literature and a custom box.