Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This glass paperweight was made by the Clichy Glasshouse between 1837 and 1885. The eye is immediately drawn to the intricate floral patterns encased in glass. The circular composition, with its concentric rings of stylized florets, invites a meditative gaze. The structural organization here speaks to a deeper engagement with symmetry and order. The clustering of the glass flowers, in rhythmic succession, establishes a pattern that flirts with formal perfection. Yet, this formalism is tempered by the organic nature of the floral motifs, which prevents the piece from becoming sterile. Does the paperweight challenge fixed meanings? Perhaps. Its function as a mere desk accessory is elevated through a display of artistry. We are left contemplating the intersection of function, beauty, and the philosophical implications of transforming everyday objects into artifacts of contemplation.