Paperweight c. 19th century

This paperweight was made at the Clichy Glasshouse in France, likely in the mid-19th century, using a technique called millefiori. Millefiori, meaning "a thousand flowers" in Italian, involves creating intricate glass rods with floral patterns, cutting them into small segments, and then arranging them within a matrix of molten glass. This paperweight exemplifies the technique's potential for complex design; the individual glass components were likely produced by teams of glassworkers, each specializing in a particular aspect of the process. Consider the labour involved, and the division of labour required for the construction of this object. The paperweight is not merely decorative; it is a testament to the skill and coordination of the artisans who produced it. It's a reminder that even seemingly simple objects can embody a wealth of knowledge, technique, and collective effort. Examining the history of glass production and the social context in which it was made allows us to appreciate the full significance of this exquisite object.