Paperweight 1845 - 1870

This paperweight was made by the New England Glass Company, sometime between 1818 and 1888, using lampworking techniques. The sphere of clear glass encapsulates colorful fruit, leaves, and latticinio glass. Lampworking is a process using a torch to melt rods of glass, forming intricate shapes with tools, and then encasing them in a dome of clear glass. The skilled artisans manipulated molten glass, creating a miniature, self-contained world. The paperweight reflects the industrialization of glass production in the 19th century. New England Glass Company and other firms adopted factory methods, employing both skilled artisans and less-skilled laborers to mass produce decorative glass items. Yet, the artistry involved should not be understated, as each is unique. This object demonstrates a fascinating intersection of artistry and industry, challenging traditional distinctions between craft and design.