Paperweight c. 1848 - 1855

This striking glass paperweight was created by the Clichy Glasshouse between 1837 and 1885. Encased within a cobalt sphere, the arrangement of two flowers compels us to explore the intricate structure of this small world. The composition is dominated by the contrast between the deep blue background and the delicate floral patterns. Note how the millefiori technique creates a complex interplay of colors and shapes within each bloom, destabilizing any clear distinction between nature and artifice. The spherical form of the glass acts as a lens, distorting and re-presenting the floral design. The transparency of the glass invites the viewer to consider the object's materiality. The effect is both decorative and deeply philosophical, challenging our perception of space and form. This paperweight functions not just as an object of beauty, but as a miniature exploration of how we see and interpret the world around us.