Paperweight c. 19th century

This exquisite paperweight was created by the Clichy Glasshouse, active in France during the mid-19th century. Encased in clear glass, delicate millefiori flowers in pink, white, and green hues create a mesmerizing, jewel-like surface. These paperweights are products of a particular moment in European history, reflecting the rise of industrialization, new technologies, and growing consumer markets. The Clichy Glasshouse was one of several factories that capitalized on these developments, producing luxury goods for an emerging middle class. The intricate designs and vibrant colors speak to the Victorian era's fascination with decoration, nature, and the exotic. These objects circulated through gift-giving networks, expressing wealth and status. To fully understand the history of this paperweight, we might consult factory records, trade catalogs, and period publications. These sources can help reveal the social and economic contexts in which such objects were made, marketed, and consumed. Art history is not just about aesthetics but about connecting artworks to their complex social and institutional lives.