Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This glass paperweight was crafted by Baccarat Glassworks, a company known for its exquisite glasswork. Encased within its clear dome is a vibrant microcosm of floral motifs. The central rose, a symbol of love and secrecy since antiquity, commands our attention. This mirrors the ‘sub rosa’ tradition, where roses adorned meeting rooms, signaling confidentiality. Around it, concentric circles of millefiori flowers evoke ancient mandalas, symbolizing the cosmos and spiritual unity. Such circular arrangements appear in diverse contexts from Buddhist art to Gothic rose windows, each echoing a longing for wholeness and transcendence. The subconscious appeal lies in our innate attraction to symmetry and order, reflecting a deeper psychological desire for harmony. Notice how the rose, despite its delicate form, anchors the entire composition. This juxtaposition of fragility and centrality mirrors life's transient yet powerful nature. The symbol resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.