Flowers From Flame

The simple elegance of a single flower is beautifully portrayed in this multi-petaled rose and naturalistic bud. Expert Paul Jokelson once cited this among the 100 most important paperweights.

Baccarat created variety, even though the designs were often stylized. The gentian is relatively rare and an almost perfect example. The flowers and leaves are formed from multi-layered canes.

This crown imperial floral design is a very rare and beautiful example. It was not native to Europe, but cultivated. The name refers to the Emperor's Crown. Baccarat created very few these.

Flowers carried distinct meanings in the Victorian Era. When grouped, they often carried a message. The violet stood for modesty, and in this notable example by Clichy, the small bud drops its head slightly.

This almost perfectly made example by Clichy uses a rose cane to construct the flower on a stem, along with a bud. This popular single rose design is set against an almost perfect white latticinio ground.

A single white rose has always stood for purity. Here, this delicate and extraordinarily crafted flower is centered in a hollow dome. It is unique, suggesting it was possibly made for someone.

This American paperweight is a simple design set against a ground of crushed red and white glass. The buttercup flower has two disparate meanings: charm and ingratitude.

Saint-Louis, Baccarat and Clichy were the primary French paperweight makers from 1845-1855, but Monot, Pere et Fils, et Stumpf, Cristallerie de Pantin made very few, but bold paperweights about 1878.

This composition of stylized flowers includes a pink rose cane which Clichy adapted from the Italians as a signature characteristic, making these paperweights highly prized.

Tied with a pink ribbon, this floral trio sends a sentimental message to its receiver.

This is a small but powerful experiment by Paul Stankard. Ironically, he tried to copy all of the traditional antique design characteristics in this very early work, only to build a career of change.

Rick Ayotte immediately set his flameworking skills toward creating his own contemporary language by sharing his love of nature. He specialized in depicting birds within their natural surroundings.

Bob Banford attempted and mastered a very difficult design in which the red and white layers of color are cut in an intricate gingham pattern. This was inspired by the extraordinary work of 19th century craftsman.

The red and white layers of glass are applied hot completely covering the clear glass and floral design: first white, then red. When cooled, it looks like a red ball until the cutting begins exposing the other layers.

This is an extraordinarily ambitious multi-floral work by Debbie Tarsitano. It was made as a tribute to her father with whom she shared a studio. The composition is full, fresh, vibrant and delicate.

This magnificent one-of-a-kind example by artist Peter McDougall paid homage to the late Stuart Drysdale. The mastery of these skills allows 20th century makers to advance the 19th century passions.

As 20th century glass artists honed their skills to create a modern message, they also expanded the paperweight form.This experimental form changed Stankard's career and opened a path for others.

This cube form was another experiment for Stankard, as well as the watery feel of the composition. His ability to create naturalistic depictions freed the paperweight from its 19th century boundaries.

As glass artists were freed from the prescribed designs in paperweights of the original 19th century format,they used their extraordinary skills to create sculptural works in larger scale.

In the 21st century, artists are able to continue the traditional paperweight spheres with designs viewed from above or explore new formats that are multi-dimensional.

Peering into this dramatic dark sphere is like finding delicate wildflowers surviving in the woods. New skills, shapes, compositions and meaning have redefined a 19th century art form for a new era.