Paperweight c. 1848 - 1855

This delicate glass paperweight was crafted by George Bacchus & Sons in the 19th century. Encased within its clear form is a mesmerizing mandala of floral motifs. The flower, a universal symbol of life, death, and rebirth, has permeated cultures across millennia, appearing in ancient Egyptian tombs, Roman frescoes, and Renaissance paintings. Here, the arrangement of these tiny florets in concentric circles evokes the sacred geometry found in mandalas, symbolizing the cosmos and inviting contemplation. Consider the rose, a flower deeply embedded in our collective psyche, representing love, beauty, and secrecy. Its image has recurred throughout history, from the rose windows of Gothic cathedrals to the works of the Symbolists, each era imbuing it with new layers of meaning. This symbol, much like the others in art, is a testament to how human creativity draws from a shared reservoir of archetypes and collective memory. This piece speaks to the enduring power of symbols, reminding us of the cyclical nature of history.