Paperweight c. 1848 - 1855

This paperweight was made by the Clichy Glasshouse in France, probably in the mid-19th century, entirely from glass. If you look closely, you’ll see that the flower isn’t painted on the surface. It’s actually constructed of many tiny glass elements, carefully arranged and then encased in a clear dome. This would have taken incredible skill, requiring the glassmakers to work quickly and precisely while the material was molten. The swirling white filigree in the background adds to the sense of depth and intricacy, requiring multiple steps of layering different molten glass before cooling. Such objects were luxury goods, requiring intensive labor and specialized knowledge. They give us a glimpse into the highly specialized world of glass production at the time, with its combination of artistry, craft, and industrial techniques. So, next time you look at a paperweight like this, consider all the hands and processes that went into its making. It’s a reminder that even seemingly small, decorative objects can carry a wealth of social and cultural significance.