Paperweights

A paperweight is a small solid object which is placed on top of books to keep the papers from blowing in the breeze. Paper, due to its light weight and large surface area, has a tendency to move easily when pushed by a slight breeze, which can create disorder on a work surface. Due to its greater density and compact shape relative to paper, a paperweight, when placed on top of one or more sheets of paper, will prevent the paper from moving. The object need not be particularly heavy itself to perform its function. Any small object, such as a cup or a stone, can serve as a paperweight, but decorative objects have been created specifically for this purpose.

Fine glass paperweights are widely produced, collected, and appreciated as works of art and are often exhibited in museums as examples of fine glass art. They are made entirely of glass by sole artisans, or factories, usually in limited editions. They first began to be produced, especially in France, in about 1845, but began a sustained revival and rise in popularity in the middle of the twentieth century.

Decorative glass paperweights fit easily into the hand and are actually meant to be handled and viewed from various directions through the dome, which acts like a lens to make the design change in its appearance with its movements in an attractive way. A magnifying glass is often used to gain appreciation of the fine detail of the work within.

They have a flat or slightly concave base on which they stably rest, and a domed top, which may be faceted or cut. The glass is usually lead glass. The dome may be coated with one or more thin layers of colored glass, and have windows cut through it to reveal the interior motif. The exact shape or profile of the dome varies somewhat from one artist or factory to another, but in fine examples will be tuned to the subject within to show it off to best advantage. The base may be frosted, but is more often polished. They may also be cut in one of several variations. Star-cut bases have a multi-pointed star, while a diamond cut base has grooves cut in a criss-cross pattern. A footed weight has a flange in the base.

The ground on which the inner parts rest may be clear or colored, made of unfused sand, or resemble lace (latticinio).

Paperweights are made by sole artisans, and in factories where many artists and technicians collaborate. Both may produce inexpensive as well as "collector" weights. Workmanship, design, rarity, and condition determine the value of a paperweight. They range in price from a few dollars to a record $258,500 once paid for an antique French weight. Antique weights, of which perhaps 10,000 or so survive (mostly in museums, generally appreciate steadily in value.

Visible flaws, such as bubbles, striations and scratches affect the value. Glass should not have a yellow or greenish cast, and there should be no unintentional asymmetries, or unevenly spaced or broken elements. Generally, larger weights are more costly and desirable. In a modern piece, an identifying mark and date are imperative.

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Wikipedia