Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This paperweight was crafted by the Clichy Glasshouse in France sometime between 1837 and 1885. Encased within clear glass is a vibrant bouquet of flowers, a miniature garden preserved forever. During the 19th century, such objects were symbolic, reflecting the Victorian era's fascination with nature and its coded language of flowers. These paperweights were luxury items, gracing the desks of the burgeoning middle class, and were often given as gifts. They embody a certain tension, a desire to capture and control nature within the confines of domestic life. Consider the artistry, the delicate skill required to manipulate molten glass into such intricate forms. There is something deeply human about the impulse to create beauty, to find solace and inspiration in the natural world. It’s a small token, but it speaks volumes about the values and aspirations of a bygone era.