Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This glass paperweight was crafted by the Clichy Glasshouse, in France, sometime between 1837 and 1885. Encapsulated within its crystal dome, we find a delicate bouquet of glass flowers. The inclusion of floral motifs is no accident. Flowers are universal symbols of ephemerality and beauty, often associated with love and remembrance. We find the image of the flower recurring in many times and places, from ancient Egyptian funerary garlands to Renaissance vanitas paintings. Take, for example, Botticelli’s Primavera, where Flora, the goddess of spring, scatters blossoms, symbolizing renewal and the cyclical nature of life. The flower's vibrant yet transient nature evokes deep emotional responses, reminding us of the fleeting beauty of life. This potent imagery connects us to the past, echoing ancestral experiences and emotions. As you gaze upon this paperweight, consider how these enduring symbols resonate within your own memory and experience.