Paperweight c. 1848 - 1855

This exquisite glass paperweight was crafted by George Bacchus & Sons. Its circular form invites an immediate sense of wholeness, enhanced by concentric rings of floral and star-shaped motifs. The central cluster, a dense knot of blues and greens, radiates outward into fields of red, tan, and white. These millefiori designs, encased in clear glass, create a captivating interplay of depth and dimension. The effect is almost kaleidoscopic, reminiscent of early scientific illustrations, where patterns were believed to reveal underlying structures of nature. We see a Victorian fascination with both ornament and order, where aesthetic pleasure is intertwined with an attempt to classify and understand the world. Notice how the precision of each individual element contributes to the harmony of the whole, reflecting a belief that beauty could emerge from a rigorous and systematic approach. The paperweight transforms everyday utility into an object of contemplation.