Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This is a glass paperweight made by the Clichy Glasshouse between 1837 and 1885. Note the hypnotic spiral design encased within the clear glass. The spiral, a motif as ancient as time itself, draws the eye inward to the center, creating a sense of movement and depth. We see this emblem echoing through the centuries. In ancient Greece, spirals adorned pottery, symbolizing the continuous flow of life. In Celtic art, they represented spiritual growth. The spiral resonates deep within us, perhaps stirring memories of our own journey through life's labyrinth, from birth to the winding path of our existence. This simple object encapsulates the cyclical nature of existence, mirroring the ebb and flow of the ocean, the swirling of galaxies, and the very rhythm of our breath. The spiral within this paperweight becomes a potent reminder of the profound, often subconscious, forces that shape our perception. The symbolic energy of the spiral remains a testament to the enduring power of images to connect us across time and space.