Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This paperweight was produced by the Compagnie de Saint Louis, its date unknown. Made of glass, its production involved the labor-intensive process of lampworking, wherein glass rods are heated with a torch to create intricate designs. The flower motif is a fine example of the technique. Each petal and leaf was individually formed and then carefully assembled. The speckled green ground, which might seem simple, is itself a complex arrangement of tiny glass fragments. Imagine the skill and precision required to manipulate molten glass in such a controlled manner. Paperweights like these were luxury items, appealing to the burgeoning middle class who sought to adorn their homes with decorative objects. They represent a fascinating intersection of craft, design, and industry. Appreciating the material and the making helps us see that objects like this belong to a much broader history of creative practices, challenging any firm distinction between art and craft.