Paperweight 1849 - 1858

This paperweight was made by Lyman, Fenton & Co. in the late 19th century, crafted from glazed earthenware. This wasn't high art, but rather a product of the booming ceramics industry, designed for everyday use. The glaze is key here. It's a classic example of "Rockingham" or "Bennington" glaze, known for its mottled brown effect. This was achieved by combining different metallic oxides in the glaze mixture, which then separated during firing, creating a unique, almost marbled appearance. The form, a reclining dog on a cushion, was likely slip-cast in a mold, demonstrating the industrialized processes of the time. It reflects how manufacturers sought to add decorative appeal to functional items, capitalizing on the Victorian era's love of ornamentation and novelty. This paperweight speaks to the democratizing influence of industrial production, bringing artful design into the homes and lives of ordinary people, while also illustrating the skilled labor and ceramic techniques involved in its creation.