Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This Paperweight was made by the Compagnie de Saint Louis using lampwork glass. This incredibly refined technique involves heating glass rods over a torch, then shaping the molten material with tools and hand movements. Here, we see the glassblower’s virtuosity in the lifelike floral arrangement, encapsulated within a clear dome. Note the intricate petals of the central blue flower, each carefully formed and applied. Then there's the surrounding patterned border, requiring precise control and coordination. While seemingly simple, the paperweight is in fact an object that speaks to the skill involved in this kind of glasswork, and the specialized labor required. These glass paperweights were often luxury items, appealing to a middle class eager for emblems of refinement. The artistry elevates a functional object into something beautiful, and the artistry involved is the key to understanding its value. It's a reminder that even everyday items can be repositories of great skill and cultural meaning.