Paperweight c. 1845 - 1850

This paperweight was made by Baccarat Glass Works. The clear glass sphere encases a delicate floral arrangement, created through a complex process. First, individual glass rods are carefully heated and manipulated to form the petals, leaves, and stem. These components are then arranged on a base and encased in molten crystal, a technique known as lampworking, where the glass is melted using a torch. The resulting object showcases the inherent qualities of glass: its transparency, its capacity to refract light, and its ability to capture intricate detail. The process involves many people in the factory, from the designers who plan the composition to the skilled artisans who execute it. This paperweight represents not just an aesthetic object but also a testament to the artistry and labor involved in glass production. It challenges the division between craft and fine art, inviting us to appreciate the skill and tradition embedded in this decorative object.