When I went to my first paperweight meeting, I didn’t know how addicted I would become to my uncommon hobby. Paperweight history and glass technology fascinate me.
Do you know hobbies are healthy for us? I’m not trying to persuade you to collect paperweights but to discover an endeavor that will bring you together with other people with similar passions. I had no idea, when I went to my first paperweight meeting, the complexity of the art.
I’m a card-carrying member of the Paperweight Collectors of Texas (PCATX.org) for paperweight enthusiasts, but I must depend on other people for their vast knowledge. Although I’ve learned a tremendous amount as a member, my knowledge fits in a coffee cup or maybe a thimble. Now I’m sharing my “coffee cup” with you.
Each Paperweight meeting includes a presentation from a dealer and/or artist. The added plus, we meet new friends who collect paperweights, love to travel, chat, and dine together. We meet in different locations in Texas. The meetings are devoted to helping the group understand the complexity of the art, plus we can purchase glass treasures.
Let’s start with the basics.
Antique Paperweights
According to research, glass making began in the Middle East as long ago as 4000 BC. But let’s concentrate on more recent progress.
Baccarat, a French glass manufacturing company, became the leader in antique paperweights, starting in the mid-1840s. Often they cost much more than newer weights.
Perhaps a paperweight catches your eye in an antiques store. The price tag is $1500. Is it a good investment? If you watch the Antiques Road Show, you discover antiques can improve their value and others, not so much. For paperweights, it depends on the quality of the actual piece: pristine clarity of color, success of the artist, shape, and finish. Paperweight popularity rises and declines with the economy.
Emerging Artists
Since the 1940s American paperweight makers have blossomed with methods to differentiate themselves. We call them “emerging” artists. Several styles include the millefiori or lamp work methods.
Millefiori
Millefiori (a thousand flowers) involves heating, cooling and cutting glass rods or canes. The artist inserts beautifully coordinated colorful canes in concentric patterns. Canes may look like tiny flowers, especially the rose canes. A scramble appears as it sounds: the small pieces of glass, which look a little like Christmas candy, are mixed and covered in clear glass.
Lamp Work, Flame Work and Torch Work
Ken Rosenfeld’s lamp work, for example, shows brilliant hues of flowers encased in pristine, transparent glass. He’s one of my favorite artists.
The Un-Ending Story
As the Chinese become better with their manufacturing of paperweights, the novice enthusiast must be careful to avoid purchasing counterfeits. I am not “hung up” on paperweight values when I add to my collection. A dear friend recognized my addiction and gave me an inexpensive, Chinese weight with a pink flower, which I treasure. Google “glass paperweights near me” and you may find an unexpected treasure or gift for you or a friend.
I enjoy the Paperweight Collectors Association of Texas (PCATX.org). Currently, we meet twice a year. They have a presence on Members and Friends of PCATX (Paperweight Collectors Association of Texas) on Facebook. If you would like to see more paperweights, look online for various paperweight groups. A few groups have online sales for you. You may find a real bargain. Talk with relatives or friends. You may find they have valuable treasures.
I’m sharing a few of my favorite weights for examples. I hope you enjoy gazing at some of my favorite encased glass art. You, too, may be smitten by the beauty and brilliance of paperweights.
Enjoy the exquisite artistry.
