Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This paperweight, made by the Compagnie de Saint Louis, is glass, but the process of its making is anything but transparent. Paperweights like this have an interesting history. Popular in the 19th century, they're made by embedding intricate designs within a clear glass dome. Think of it as a tiny, self-contained world, frozen in time. The process involves layering molten glass of different colors, manipulating it with tools, and then encasing it all in clear glass. It requires a high level of skill and precision, and a great deal of labour. The flower motif is very typical. What is interesting about this piece is the fact that the company mass produced the paperweights. They're charming, but they also remind us of the complex relationship between art, industry, and consumer culture. It challenges our notions about what is craft and what is art.