Paperweight c. 1848 - 1855

This paperweight was made by Baccarat Glassworks, using a technique called lampworking, where glass rods are heated with a torch to create intricate floral designs. The weight's clear encasement acts like a magnifying lens, distorting and enhancing the bouquet of flowers. Each delicate element, from the leaves to the bell-shaped blossoms, required careful manipulation of molten glass. This process would have taken years to master, demanding an intimate understanding of the material's properties and behavior. The flowers, frozen within the glass, speak to a culture of collecting and appreciation for the natural world. Glassblowing in the 19th century also reflects larger trends of industrialization. These paperweights, while small in scale, involved a complex division of labor, with specialized artisans contributing to different stages of production. The paperweight, therefore, becomes an object loaded with social meaning.