All Z Nico products are functional works of art, designed and made in the United States with old world traditions and the highest standards of quality, workmanship and materials.
Anne Nicolaou at the 2010 LA Pen Show with the Heirloom StrongBoxes and pen stand sets.
The Eternal Guardians and Immortal Stallions are the initial “Heirloom StrongBox” designs of utilitarian art conceived by Michael T. Nicolaou of Z Nico. It took almost t wo years to complete the sculptures and fabricate the necessary molds in order to bring each StrongBox model to bronze. The clay was sculpted by Ronnie Frostad and each StrongBox is crafted from the finest quality art bronze, using the lost wax process, by Csaba Letay and other highly skilled artisans at Frostad Atelier www.frostadatellier.com. It will take more than a month to produce each safe. Every Heirloom StrongBox is individually made and no two will ever be identical.
The ideal application for the Z Nico Heirloom StrongBox is unprecedented and unique. Whether kept in a home, mansion, office or boardroom and placed on a desk, credenza, dresser, table or mantle, each Heirloom StrongBox is a functioning piece of art that can be used on a daily basis. The chest will keep its contents secure and provide a deterrent from theft. The chosen sculpture will be a conversation piece, reflecting the artistic sensibility and taste of its owner. The positive energy of our patrons will be absorbed by the pleasing touch of bronze and ultimately, the Heirloom StrongBox could contain family ashes or mementos and be passed forward to future generations. Depending on ancestral heritage, culture or religious beliefs, the safe may also supplement the traditional mausoleum in a very personalized way. A ledger, plaque or recorded message is easily stored on the insert and can document the history of family lineage.
An Heirloom StrongBox is the perfect gift for the most beloved members of your family. These magnificent sculptures are constructed in a way and with a material that will last forever. A “Celebration of Life” ceremony where you acknowledge accomplishments, express gratitude, and share the reason for the Z Nico StrongBox, may establish a new tradition with your decedents.
Unlike a typical bronze sculpture that simply goes through the process of casting, finishing and patina, the Z Nico Heirloom StrongBox has the added engineering and development requirements associated with opening, closing and locking the chest. The added dimension of creating a usable interior is very labor intensive and requires talented and knowledgeable artisans to complete. The heavy weight of the base and lid necessitates special design elements to insure stability and safety.
Art quality bronze is an alloy composed of 95% copper, 4% manganese and 1% zinc. Every Heirloom StrongBox comes with an insert container. Optional trays can be custom designed to accommodate the largest size pens, oversize watches, small weapons and personal items. A humidor insert made from cedar is also available. The insert container has a sliding top that will hide your most valued belongings when locked inside the StrongBox. The massive weight of the Eternal Guardians and Immortal Stallions transforms each work of art into a secure safe that will protect your most prized possessions.
The Immortal Stallions and Eternal Guardians with inserts and locks.
Warrior business card pen stand and letter opener sets from the Immortal Stallions collection.
Z Nico also offers desk accessories. The first set of pen stands, business card holders and letter openers are designs from the Immortal Stallions sculpture. Each set will be individually signed and numbered.
