Adorable “Edwardian Era” domed devotional souvenir from Lourdes. Picturing the “Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes” in France. 

Handmade by nun artisans, most likely in the 1920s. A beautiful French pilgrimage souvenir made with the traditional encasing of dried flowers and religious imagery under glass domes (globes de curiosités). This technique was particularly popular in France during the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

Encasing local flora in glass peaked between 1890-1930. The nuns used local dried heather (calluna) which is specific to the surroundings of Lourdes and the Pyrenees region. This was used because the pilgrims sought for tangible handmade memories of the landscape where the apparitions occurred. The addition of glitter (not plastic) but mica and mica flakes which were used to create a shimmering and ethereal atmosphere in the religious scenes and was especially modern from 1900-1930.

You feel the dedication and love someone put into making this little wonderful souvenir. It fits perfectly into a vintage collection, religious collection or on any wall that seeks something that is unique and soulful.