Paperweight c. 19th century

This paperweight was made by Clichy Glass Works using lampworking techniques, where glass rods are heated with a torch to create intricate floral designs suspended in clear crystal. Its captivating appearance stems from the inherent qualities of molten glass: its viscosity allows for precise manipulation, while its transparency offers a window into the miniature world within. The millefiori technique used here, with its myriad of tiny floral components, showcases the skill and labor invested in its creation. Such pieces reflect a wider social context: the rise of specialized glassmaking industries in the 19th century. While seemingly a decorative object, the paperweight embodies the intersection of craft, design, and industrialized production. It invites us to consider the artistic value and technical expertise involved in its creation.