Paperweight c. 1846s

This paperweight was made at the Baccarat Glassworks, famous for their innovation with glass. At first glance, the object appears simple, but look closer: the interior is composed of many tiny colored rods, each carefully arranged into a design, then encased in clear crystal. This process, called millefiori, meaning "a thousand flowers," originated in ancient times, but it was revived in the 19th century. Baccarat was one of the leading firms to develop new techniques, creating complex patterns through meticulous labor. The creation of millefiori involved specialized skills: glassmakers, lampworkers, and those who arranged the canes. The paperweight was very much a product of the Industrial Revolution, which allowed for the division of labor and production of luxury items for a growing middle class. So while small, this object embodies big ideas about craft, design, and the social context of its creation.