-Souvenir of Warsaw- still bank c. late 19th century

This still bank, titled -Souvenir of Warsaw-, was likely made of cast iron sometime in the early 20th century by an anonymous maker. Its architectural form, reminiscent of Warsaw's landmarks, is not rendered in traditional art materials, but in a humble metal, and it embodies the spirit of mass production. The choice of cast iron speaks volumes; it's durable, inexpensive, and easily molded into intricate shapes. This allowed for relatively quick reproduction, aligning with the growing demand for affordable souvenirs during the rise of tourism and consumer culture. Look at the way the metal has been cast into architectural detail, making the work legible. The weight and solidity of the iron gives it a tactile quality. The dark, patinated surface adds to its sense of history, evoking the past. This piece sits at the intersection of craft, design, and industry. It challenges our notions of value and originality, highlighting the social and economic forces that shape our material world.