TECHNIQUE OF THE PAPIER MACHE

Very malleable, papier mâché can be mould with various shapes.

Several processes have been tried : coating of papers mixed with glue and water ; mixed pulp with sand and clay moulded in wood shape.

The decoration of papier mâché has been improved with time : artists tried monochrome lacquer and, afterwards, some decoration with flowers, sceneries and portraits.

There was even some inlaid work with mother of pearl, particularly during the reign of Napoléon III where furniture and various objects were lacquered in black.