Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This paperweight was produced by the Baccarat Glassworks, using lampworking techniques and clear and colored glass. The fluid medium of glass is here employed to capture a three-dimensional form within a contained space. The snake motif and surrounding gravel-like texture were created by skilled artisans, each manipulating molten glass with precision to achieve the desired shape and effect. Lampworking is a labor-intensive practice, demanding years of training to master the necessary skills of temperature control and shaping. The Baccarat Glassworks was known for producing luxury items and decorative objects, catering to a wealthy clientele. The paperweight exemplifies the intersection of craft and commerce, transforming base materials into a desirable commodity through skilled labor. This challenges our conventional distinctions between fine art and craft, revealing the economic and social factors embedded within the object itself.