Christmas Tree Snow globe

Maker unknown, 2018

Glass, metal (tin), rubber, glitter, plastic, water, glycol or glycerin, paint, ceramic, twine  

12.7 x 8.25 x 8.25 cm

Purchased by Heather Vessio, 2018, given to Hannah Vessio, 2018

Personal collection 

The snow globe is constructed of a multitude of materials and is an object that most people recognize, if not own in some fashion. This is a contemporary handmade construction of a classic seasonal object. In contrast to the traditional “orb” form, this version is encased in a jar giving it a more simplistic design. A gift to me, it was intended to bring a little holiday cheer to university life away from home during the winter season. It depicts the classic decorated Christmas tree, and while the "snow' that is featured in almost every snow globe traditionally was comprised of materials like chips of bone, porcelain, marble, and ground rice, these were more recently substituted for less expensive white plastics in the 1950s and has continued to evolve. The snow globe is a gift industry and souvenir staple and can be found in numerous styles from kitschy to antique, and in more standard or novelty forms.

This representation of the traditional object may not be the flashiest or the most interesting of objects but displays an endearing and charming picture of an idyllic winter wonderland scene in a contemporary way. Not only was it given by a loved one, but it captures the essence of wintertime events and traditions. It is both a personally cherished object but also culturally significant as it represents a time of year, an event, a memory, with a historical connection for many viewers. The snow globe in question displays a whimsical snowfall when shaken.  Whether it be from the early 1900s or a modern-day interpretation of the object, the snow globe acts as a reminder to hold on to special moments in life.                                              

Hannah Vessio