Paperweight c. 1845 - 1855

This glass paperweight was created by the Clichy Glasshouse sometime between 1837 and 1885. Encased in clear glass, its design is a marvel of symmetry, composed of concentric circles. The shapes are tightly packed, drawing the eye toward a central core of small, detailed florets. Look at the composition. Notice how the arrangement isn’t just decorative but structural. The colours, pink, green, white, and blue aren't blended, but instead, each retains its distinct identity, creating a mosaic effect. The spherical shape of the paperweight distorts and refracts the internal design. It challenges our perception and introduces an element of playful ambiguity. This paperweight echoes broader philosophical ideas about how order and complexity can coexist. As you observe its intricate details, think about how it invites a continuous process of seeing and interpreting.