Paperweight c. 19th century

This paperweight was made by the Compagnie de Saint Louis, and it’s glass. Glassmaking is a complex tradition that involves great skill. In this case, it involves layering colored glass to create a naturalistic, botanical effect. The team at Compagnie de Saint Louis were masters of this difficult process, which dates back to the 1840s. To make this paperweight, the glassmakers gathered molten glass, and used tools to shape and manipulate the material, adding layers of colored glass to create the berry and leaf design. The final result, which is about 7cm in diameter, is a crystal clear dome. The magnification effect enhances the beauty of the small cluster of berries and leaves. It's not just a functional item, it's an object of beauty. It invites us to reconsider the ways we value labor, skill, and artistry in everyday objects.