Paperweight c. 1848 - 1855

This paperweight was made by Baccarat Glassworks using lampworking techniques that demand incredible dexterity. First, individual glass elements are heated and shaped, the colorful flowers and leaves. Then, these are carefully arranged and encased in molten glass. The result is a captivating three-dimensional tableau, permanently suspended in time. Note how the transparent glass acts as a lens, magnifying the intricate details of each flower, and consider that these glassworks emerged in parallel with capitalism; these paperweights are products of factories, meant to appeal to a growing middle class. The glass itself has a long history, prized for its ability to mimic precious stones. In this context, it becomes both a symbol of luxury and a reminder of the skill required to transform ordinary materials into objects of beauty. The paperweight challenges our assumptions about art, design, and labor. It encourages us to appreciate the artistry embedded in everyday objects.