Paperweight c. 1848 - 1855

This exquisite paperweight was created by the Compagnie de Saint Louis, showcasing delicate craftsmanship. The composition is structured around a central, densely packed purple flower, its form almost geometric in its repetition of shapes. The eye is immediately drawn to this focal point, contrasted by surrounding green leaves and a ring of smaller, stylized blue flowers. Each element is encapsulated within clear glass, which acts as both a protective layer and a lens, distorting and amplifying the internal components. The careful arrangement of colours and shapes creates a sense of depth and complexity within the confined space. The paperweight can be viewed as a microcosm, a self-contained world where symmetry and controlled chaos coexist. This object challenges our perception by freezing a fleeting moment of nature into a permanent, abstract form.