2007-03-25 11:25:48 · 3 answers · asked by Angela G 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Paperweights are the perfect example of a functional object raised to the level of fine art. The golden age of antique paperweight production only lasted about 20 years - from 1845 to1865.Three French glass manufacturers Baccarat,Clichy and St.Louis created classic glass paperweights that are highly valued today.
Paperweights can be solid colours,or hollow on the inside,but most have a pattern or an object-such as a flower or a goldfish-on the inside.
Part of the fun of collecting paperweights is trying to identify the maker.Often one can tell the country of origin by whether the bottom is flat,shiny and smooth (usually Italian); flat,dull,and a bit rough (usually Chinese); slightly concave,smooth and shiny (better quality production,such as Perthshire in Scotland.)Also,many have a date or signature etched on the bottom,or somewhere on the piece.Modern paperweights are made by companies and with over 2000 manufacturers to consider the collector is wise to specialise.
2007-03-25 23:45:18 · answer #1 · answered by the gunners 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A paperweight is an object used to weigh down paper. It can be made from almost anything, but popular paperweights are made from glass or heavy metal. Some are considered to be valuable collectibles.
2007-03-29 01:36:57 · answer #2 · answered by Beanbag 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A paperweight is be anything which can be placed on top of a pile of papers to stop them blowing away or being knocked over.
2007-03-26 06:10:41 · answer #3 · answered by Purple 8 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋