What does “This Is Not a Pipe” mean?

It’s Magritte’s reminder that the painted pipe is not a real pipe—just an image. The phrase encourages viewers to question how pictures shape what we believe.

Is the paperweight functional as well as decorative?

Yes. It’s made from solid glass, weighs nearly a pound, and holds papers securely while adding a touch of Surrealist humor to any desk.

Who would enjoy this Magritte paperweight?

Collectors of Surrealism, fans of modern art, students of visual theory, and anyone who enjoys clever or philosophical design pieces.

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Magritte “This Is Not a Pipe” Surrealism Glass Dome Paperweight 3W

SKU:PMAG3

$25.00 USD

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Magritte Glass Paperweight and the Art of Seeing

This Magritte glass paperweight celebrates one of the most recognizable images in modern art: the painter’s famous declaration “Ceci n’est pas une pipe”. Under the smooth dome of this glass dome paperweight, Magritte’s witty contradiction becomes a small daily reminder that images are not the things they depict. The pipe looks real, yet Magritte insists it isn’t one—because it is simply a drawing. This paradox, presented in warm creams, browns, and soft blacks, makes the artwork a gentle puzzle for your desk, bookshelf, or study.

The magnifying dome enhances the printed image beneath the glass. As the light moves across the curved surface, the pipe seems to deepen, echoing Magritte’s fascination with perception and illusion. This Magritte paperweight blends function and philosophy, offering a charming accent for art lovers who appreciate objects that prompt reflection as well as serve a purpose.

The glass dome paperweight arrives in an elegant presentation box lined with satin, making it a thoughtful gift for graduation, professional milestones, or anyone drawn to surrealism’s playful strangeness. As part of the Parastone Museum Gift Collection, this glass dome paperweight continues a long tradition of transforming iconic artworks into small, collectible objects meant to bring art into everyday life.

Part of the Parastone Museum Gift Collection (PN PMAG3)
Glass half-dome with printed artwork beneath clear crystal glass
Measures 3 in W x 3 in L x 1.5 in H; weighs approx. 0.9 lbs.
Comes in a satin-lined presentation box suitable for gifting

Magritte Glass Paperweight and Surrealist Ideas

René Magritte (1898–1967) devoted his career to questioning the relationship between words, images, and meaning. His work often features crisp, realistic forms placed in improbable or contradictory situations. Bowler-hatted men hide behind floating apples, birds are filled with clouds, and landscapes appear inside frames within frames. Through these visual riddles, Magritte encourages viewers to ask: “What do we really see?”

His painting La Trahison des Images, from which this museum desk paperweight is derived, remains one of the clearest examples of his thought. The phrase “This Is Not a Pipe” challenges our assumptions about representation. The artwork insists on its own limitations: no matter how realistic it appears, the image cannot be held, lit, or smoked—it is only pigment on canvas.