Object of the Day: Antique Papier Mache Writing Slope

This was the laptop of its day. Most likely, if you’re reading this blog, you remember the days before email and text messages. I think today’s teens can’t fathom the idea of having to sit down and write a letter. Most of the them can’t even read cursive--from what I understand. Letter writing is a lost art, and one that people took very seriously.

Writing slopes such as this one were an important part of life. Easily portable, the writing slope opened to reveal a surface on which you could write a letter. Below that surface is a compartment in which you can store paper, envelopes and other correspondence. A series of compartments above the sloped writing surface housed the pen, nibs and ink wells. The writing slope could be taken on a journey or used in the home.

This particular writing slope which dates to about 1850 is constructed from papier mache and inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The top, sides and inside are further decorated with hand-painted geometric designs and flowers in bold colors and gold. To me, this writing slope seems almost like an altar to the art of communication. I often wonder about the words and emotions it once housed. What a pity it can’t tell its story.