Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This glass paperweight was produced by Baccarat Glassworks. The French glass manufacturer has been around since the 18th century. Paperweights such as this one were, and still are, functional objects, yet they simultaneously function as miniature worlds, capturing delicate beauty in a solid form. The intricate millefiori patterns, with their myriad of tiny, colorful glass rods fused together, showcase a mastery of technique. These objects were luxury items, coveted by the burgeoning middle class as symbols of taste and refinement. There’s something deeply human about our desire to contain beauty, to preserve a fleeting moment in a tangible form. Perhaps it speaks to our longing for permanence in an ever-changing world. Look closely. What do you see in its depths?