Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This paperweight was produced by the Clichy Glasshouse in France, sometime between 1837 and 1885. Its intricate design, encased in clear glass, captures a moment of beauty, transforming functional object into a decorative piece. The Clichy Glasshouse was renowned for its exquisite paperweights, each a testament to the skill and artistry of its glassmakers. During the 19th century, such objects became luxury items, collected and displayed by the bourgeoisie as symbols of taste and refinement. These paperweights offer a glimpse into the social and economic structures of the time. They reflect a culture that valued craftsmanship and the beauty of natural forms, yet also highlight the growing divide between the producers of luxury goods and their consumers. To understand it better, we might look at the archives of glassmaking businesses, and publications such as trade journals and decorative arts magazines that shaped the tastes of the era.