Paperweight c. 1845 - 1855

This glass paperweight was crafted by the Clichy Glasshouse between 1837 and 1885. At its heart, we observe a vibrant, complex floral motif. This isn't merely decorative; it’s a concentrated burst of life, preserved within the glass. Consider how the flower, a symbol of ephemeral beauty, has been depicted across cultures. From ancient Egyptian lotus motifs symbolizing rebirth to the Victorian language of flowers, where each bloom conveyed a specific emotion, the flower speaks volumes. Here, encased in glass, it is both protected and eternally on display, a potent representation of memory and preservation. The concentric arrangement echoes mandalas, ancient symbols representing the cosmos. The paperweight thus becomes a microcosm, a contained universe of color and form, reflecting a deep-seated human desire to find order and meaning in the chaos of existence. It is a beautiful object with power that engages us on a subconscious level.