Paper Mache Sculpture for Sale

Regularly used in sculpture, paper mache, or papier-mâché, refers to three different techniques. The first one involves applying strips of paper to a structure with a glue to strengthen and solidify the paper. The second technique, pulp paper, was particularly popular in the 20th century. It consists of soaking, boiling and draining paper before mixing the pulp with glue, linseed oil and plaster to obtain a modelling material. Lastly, paper can simply be also be pressed between two moulds.

Originally from China, papier-mâché spread to North Africa in the 7th century, then to Spain in the 11th century, and finally to the rest of Europe and the United States. As paper was very expensive at the time, papier-mâché was therefore a costly material used to create precious objects such as masks, chests, trays, etc.

It was only in the 19th century that the technique became widespread and reached the height of its popularity. Paper was more widely available and therefore cheaper. It was easy to manipulate and anatomists and surgeons started using it to create artificial limbs. Other uses included furniture and toy making as well as set designs.

In the 20th century, it was replaced by more modern materials such as plastic and metal (typically steel or bronze). Pulp paper remains a popular technique and many sculptors and workshops still use it in France (in Temple and Belleville for example) and worldwide.

Papier-mâché is still used by many artists: in his Matériologies series, Jean Dubuffet created amazing textures using this technique; Mélanie Bourlon's workshop, like a 'cabinet of curiosities', is also brimming with animal figures in papier-mâché.

Artsper features Wabé's colorful papier-mâché sculptures, the strange pastel-colored masks of Joanna Glazer, female figures created by Agnès Baillon and Romain Shustrov's puppet-like sculptures.