Paperweight c. 19th century

This paperweight was created by the Clichy Glasshouse in France, between 1837 and 1885, using lampwork glass. During this period, France experienced significant social and economic changes. This paperweight, with its concentrated beauty, reflects a time of industrial growth and interest in decorative arts. The millefiori technique, Italian for "thousand flowers", encapsulates a multitude of tiny, intricate glass canes within a clear dome. Consider the social implications of owning such an object. Glassblowing was a labor-intensive process and this paperweight would likely have been a luxury item, accessible only to a certain class. As you look closer, notice how each flower has a unique identity, a symbol of beauty and individual craft. This Clichy paperweight isn’t just a functional item, but a crystallized fragment of a bygone era, inviting us to reflect on the values and aspirations of the society that produced it.