Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This intricate paperweight, with its tightly packed floral motifs, was created out of glass at the Clichy Glasshouse in France sometime between 1837 and 1885. The Clichy Glasshouse was one of several French factories specializing in these luxury objects. These paperweights, though seemingly decorative, offer a window into the economic and social history of 19th-century France. The rise of industrialization allowed for mass production of such items, making them accessible to a burgeoning middle class. At the same time, the level of skill needed to produce these objects meant that they also functioned as signifiers of status. The Clichy Glasshouse, like many manufacturers of luxury goods, relied on a complex system of labor and skill. Understanding the social conditions that shaped the production of this object—the factory system, the role of artisans, and the market for luxury goods—can enrich our appreciation of its aesthetic qualities. Historical sources, such as factory records and trade journals, can shed light on these aspects of its creation.