Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This beautiful glass paperweight was created by the Clichy Glasshouse in France during its peak in the mid-19th century. These objects reflect a newly affluent middle class with money to spend on luxury goods during the Industrial Revolution. The Clichy Glasshouse was one of several factories that produced these weights as decorative objects, often incorporating complex designs and vibrant colors. The arrangement of the swirling patterns and central blue flower invite us to consider the aesthetics of mass production. Were these objects viewed as art? Or simply as ornamental commodities? Looking more closely at the Clichy Glasshouse itself, one might ask how the factory system and division of labor influenced the design and production of these objects. Examining company records, historical surveys, and period advertisements can offer a richer understanding of the social and economic context in which this paperweight was created and consumed.