Paperweight c. 19th century

This beautiful paperweight was created by the Clichy Glasshouse in France, sometime between 1837 and 1885. It’s made of glass and features a myriad of delicate, colorful floral designs encased within. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, this object speaks to a fascinating period in the history of industrial production and the rise of consumer culture. The Clichy Glasshouse, like many others in the 19th century, was at the forefront of innovative glassmaking techniques. These paperweights were luxury items, coveted by the burgeoning middle class as symbols of refinement and taste. They reflect a society where mass production allowed for decorative objects to be more widely accessible, even as they retained an aura of exclusivity. To fully appreciate this paperweight, we can delve into the archives of glassmaking factories, study period advertisements, and explore the social history of collecting and display in the 19th century. By examining the institutions and economic structures that supported its creation, we gain a deeper understanding of its cultural significance.