[Globe Pencil Sharpener]

One of the most absurd globes I have ever encountered.

This small pencil sharpener is a product of China’s mass export market from the late 20th century. The primary tool is largely ineffective at giving an edge to writing implements, but the accompanying decorative globe is even more inept if its goal is to convey accurate geographic information.

Continental borders are approximate and reflect an odd combination of the Age of Exploration and Ptolemaic cartography. Toponyms are given in a variety of languages and are often misspelled, outdated, or outright gibberish (Meridional del Novo, Teppa de Lucacmi, Calabarnuria, etc.) Visual elements like sailing ships, an illegible cartouche, and sea monsters are clumsy interpretations of features from the Golden Age of Cartography. An amusing desktop novelty.