Monday, December 20, 2004
Schneeman mit Ballon
One of the many fine snowglobe products available from the online store of Erwin Perzey's Die Original Weiner Schneekugel Manufaktur (Original Viennese Snowglobe Manufacturer).
Perzey's grandfather invented the damned things more than 100 years ago, and the company still pumps out more than 300,000 a year. Perzey operates at the high end of the market, having made custom models for Cartier and with the Seal of the President of the United States. (Why is it not surprising that this last was for Bill Clinton's Inaugural? Indeed, if you are going to have a President from Arkansas, it would be disappointing if there weren't a custom inaugural snowglobe.)
Perzey's patrimony is something to envy: How cool would it be to invent such an enduring type of kitsch? And classy. If there is a classy sort of kitsch, it is the snowglobe. They are heads and shoulders above engraved spoons, little figurines of any sort, or even glossy wooden plaques. Snowglobes are more dynamic than logo shot glasses, and give even keychains -- considered in some circles to be the ultimate souvenir collectible -- a run for their money.
The next time you find yourself with time to kill in an airport newsstand, grab yourself some schneekugeln and experience the joy.
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