The Home Beautiful: Queen Victoria's Terrier, Spot, 1885

Spot
Paperweight of Bronze and Granite
English, 1885
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

This paperweight dates to 1885 and features a bronze figure of a dog upon a low bronze base. The whole of the piece is supported by a plinth of gray, black and white mottled granite, lined beneath with red velvet. The dog depicted here is another favorite of Queen Victoria—Spot, a white terrier with lemon markings. Queen Victoria adopted spot in 1880 and, five years later, commissioned a now unknown sculptor to create this figure of her beloved companion. 

Mastery of Design: Queen Alexandra's Parasol Handle, 1896

Parasol Handle
Michael Perchin, pre-1896
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Made by one of Fabergé’s finest workmasters, Mikhail Evlampievich Perkhin (1860-1903) (also known as Michael Perchin), this parasol handle is constructed of chalcedony mounted with gold, enamel and brilliant-cut diamonds. It’s difficult to date Perkhin’s works sometimes. This one dates to sometime before 1896.

The handle takes the form of a parrot’s head. It has long since been removed from its use as a parasol handle, and, has since been mounted as a paperweight on a base of nephrite. The bird’s head is made of grey chalcedony and his eyes are yellow brilliant-cut diamonds mounted and black enamel and gold. He wears a collar of two bands of green guilloché enamel and one of diamonds.

This once graced one of the parasols of Queen Alexandra, Consort of King Edward VII.  

The Home Beautiful: Queen Victoria's Terrier, Spot, 1885

Spot
Paperweight of Bronze and Granite
English, 1885
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

This paperweight dates to 1885 and features a bronze figure of a dog upon a low bronze base. The whole of the piece is supported by a plinth of gray, black and white mottled granite, lined beneath with red velvet. The dog depicted here is another favorite of Queen Victoria—Spot, a white terrier with lemon markings. Queen Victoria adopted spot in 1880 and, five years later, commissioned an now unknown sculptor to create this figure of her beloved companion. 

Object of the Day: A Vintage Paperweight

I don't know much about this paperweight.  My parents gave it to me over Easter weekend and it's a nice addition to the collection of paperweights that I started as a child.

Long, tendril-like petals of emerald green rise up to hold a large clear bubble.  On this bubble, an brilliant crimson lady bug rests peacefully as she is reflected from every angle.

I particularly like the combination of colors here.  I suspect that it was made in the late 1940s, bit I have nothing but instinct to support that idea.  Regardless, it seems quite at home with its other crystal brothers and sisters.

Object of the Day: A Vintage Paperweight

I recently added this paperweight to my collection. That said, I know nothing about it. It’s unsigned and undated. But, it is exceptionally well-made. A red flower rises up from a purple bud, extending petals and stamen of crimson into brilliant crystal.


If I had to guess, I would say this was made in the late 1940s. The color scheme and depiction of the flower seem to be of that era. However, while dates and signatures are important in assigning value, there’s something greater in the simple value of visual joy. And, that’s something that this little paperweight has in buckets.

Object of the Day: A Caithness Paperweight Commemorating Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee

As a longtime collector of paperweights, I’ve always had a special fondness for the work of Scottish glass company, Caithness. So, when I recently found this Caithness paperweight commemorating Queen Elizabeth II’s first fifty years on the throne, I was particularly excited because it satisfied two of my collecting passions.

This paperweight—signed and numbered—shows a Tudor Rose atop an abstract ground of gold and regal purple. Above the red rose is a suspended bubble in the crystal signifying the Queen’s power and elegance. The top surface of the piece in etched with the date of Her Majesty’s accession.  As you can see, Bertie approves.

Object of the Day: An Antique Paperweight

On a recent antiquing trip with my parents and Bertie, I came across this paperweight. As you already know I’ve been collecting paperweights since I was a child. I favor those that are signed and marked by the artist, but sometimes I’ll find one without a mark that’s quite exceptional.

Antique stores are filled with paperweights. Most of them are rather pedestrian, but sometimes, if you look hard enough, you’ll see one that really stands out. This paperweight caught my eye. I can tell you nothing about it except what is evident. It has no mark nor signature, but it’s very finely made and was evidently the work of a very skilled artisan.

I’m not sure how old it is or where it’s from, but I love it. And, that goes to show you that not everything has to have a pedigree to be beautiful.

Mr. Punch in the Arts: A Glass Paperweight Featuring Mr. Punch and Toby, 1873

Pressed Glass Paperweight
John Derbyshire & Co.
1873-1876
The Victoria & Albert Museum

From his first appearance as Pulcinello, a marionette, in Covent Garden, Mr. Punch has been Britain’s most beloved grouch and a source of inspiration for artists in every possible medium.


This green glass paperweight shows the burgeoning interest in pressed glass figures. Produced by John Derbyshire in Salford, Manchester, the paperweight dates between 1873 and 1876. We see Mr. Punch in all of his deformed beauty, seated atop a chair beneath which his faithful companion, Toby, rests comfortably.

This is one of a pair of paperweights produced by Derbyshire. The companion shows Judy, seated similarly, with her cat.

The Victoria & Albert Museum

The Victoria & Albert Museum

Object of the Day: A Caithness Collectors Club Pin

I haven’t changed much over the years. Sure, I’m taller and my hair is redder, but otherwise the same things that thrilled me as a kid, thrill me today. I’ve always had an interest in art and antiques—even as a child. In my early teens, I started collecting paperweights. You’ve all seen many of my paperweights here at Stalking the Belle Époque.


My parents always encouraged my interests in the arts and humanities and when I began collecting paperweights, they enrolled me in the Caithness Collectors Club. The artisans at Scottish Caithness Glass have been producing exceptional paperweights since 1961. They understand that collectors of their glass are always interested in finding out more about the items which excite them, and, so they founded the Collectors Club. As part of my membership, I received this attractive pin. A miniature paperweight of crystal and millefiori, it is marked “CCC.” I’ve kept this little pin for nearly thirty years and it still makes me smile.

These days, Caithness calls their club, “The Paperweight Collectors Society.” Membership is quite reasonably priced. If you’re a collector of paperweights and have an interest in Caithness Glass, joining the society would be a great way to learn more.

Object of the Day: A Fiery Fleur-de-lis

After finishing The Garnet Red, my parents, Bertie and I traveled again to Louisiana where The Garnet Red (as well as much of Punch’s Cousin) is set. Of course, the emblem that is so closely associated with Louisiana, and especially, New Orleans, is the fleur-de-lis.


The Fluer-de-lis is an ancient symbol which has long been a heraldic representation of nobility of many cultures. It is, however, most often thought of as a French symbol, and therefore all the more fitting for Louisiana and its French history.

I purchased this fleur-de-lis as a souvenir of our travels. Cast in deep red glass, this paperweight has a delightful garnet glow which not only reminds me of our enjoyable journey, but commemorates the completion of my first novel.

Object of the Day: A Floral Paperweight by Ed Rithner

Master glass-maker Ed Rithner lived and worked in West Virginia from 1908-1970. His paperweights are coveted collectors’ items and though often always unsigned, they are easily identifiable from his trademark style and brilliant use of color.


This floral paperweight by Ed Rithner is indicative of his late 1940’s style. As is typical of Rithner’s work, the weight features small, intentional bubbles around the central design and the bottom of the weight is frosted with clear marks left behind by the pontil.

An eight petal blue flower surrounds a central bubble and rises above a mottled jewel-tone ground of fine powdered glass. This exceptional example of Rithner’s work is extremely rare and as beautiful as the day it was made.

Object of the Day: A Waterford Crystal Pear

The first crystal company in Waterford, Ireland opened in 1783 and lasted until 1851 before closing its doors. In 1947, Charles Bacik opened a new crystal company in Waterford and quickly began to thrive. Waterford Crystal continued to produce its fine products in Waterford, Ireland until 2005. Though the crystal no longer comes from its original country, it is still being produced and is highly cherished.


This Waterford paperweight in the shape of a pear is testament to the excellent craftsmanship of Waterford from the mid to late Twentieth Century. This pear is also special for another reason. I recall my parents giving this particular paperweight to my grandmother when I was a child. Now, it happily sparkles in my kitchen.

Object of the Day: A Black Crystal Penguin Paperweight

In my collection of black crystal animals, the tallest and most regal of the lot is this handsome penguin by the crystal-makers at Val Saint Lambert. I figured that, after seeing all the gents in their tuxes at the Oscars last night, that Mr. Penguin here was the perfect object for this morning.


Val Saint Lambert has been making fine crystal since being founded in Belgium in 1826. They were particularly known for their Art Deco and Art Nouveau masterpieces and are still celebrated for their exciting creations to this day.

Object of the Day: A Tang Horse by Baccarat

During China’s Tang Dynasty (618-907), the Chinese enjoyed a period of technological and artistic progression. One of the main industries during this period was the breeding of horses. Sculptors and painters during the Tang Dynasty often depicted noble horses in graceful poses. The “Tang Horse” has been a subject which has frequently been mimicked by other cultures as a symbol of natural elegance.


One of my favorite pieces of crystal is this horse by Baccarat. Sculpted in fine black crystal, this modern interpretation of a Tang horse relies on clean lines which remind us of the ingenuity of Tang artists but also showcases the brilliance of French glass-making.

Object of the Day: Veiled Planet

Masters of capturing both the terrestrial and the heavenly in their beautiful art glass, the glass-makers at California’s Correia Studios, often use ethereal imagery in their line of paperweights.  This large weight called, “Veiled Planet” reminds us of Saturn—with a twist.  A watery planet veined with icy lands is engulfed in a glittering atmospheric layer which itself is embraced by a delicate cobalt blue ring.  The workmanship is exceptional and shows the cleverness of Correia Studios and their ability to make dreams a glittering reality. 

Object of the Day: A Bewitching Paperweight by Caithness Glass

Since 1961, Scotland-based Caithness Glass has been producing beautiful art glass pieces inspired by the scenes and hues of the Scottish landscape. I have collected many pieces of Caithness Glass over the decades and, as a teenager, was a member of the Caithness Collectors Club. Their paperweights have long been heralded for their beauty and quality. In fact, in 1968 Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, granted Caithness a Royal Warrant for their exceptional work.


This amethyst-toned paperweight by Caithness designer Alastair MacIntosh, entitled “Bewitched” takes its color cues from the purple heather of Scotland. Lilac tendrils sway around a silvery Baroque bubble which floats above a bed of aubergine. It is, indeed, a bewitching piece which speaks of the magic of Scotland and the impeccable sorcery of the masters of Caithness Glass.

Object of the Day: World Weight by Lundberg Studios

We’ve previously looked at crystal paperweights by California’s celebrated glassmakers, Lundberg Studios.  Aside from their marine-themed, floral and abstract designs in everything from paperweights to vases, Lundberg Studios’ most enduring design is their famous World Weight.  Available in a variety of sizes,  the Earth has been carefully recreated in topographic detail in this series of crystal paperweights.  We see our planet in brilliant blues, rich browns and greens veiled by a layer of clouds and atmosphere.  At once both monumental and tranquil, the World Weight reminds us of our relative insignificance in the universe as well as the necessity to try to make a difference in our world culture. 

Object of the Day: “Clear Moon and Sea” by Correia Art Glass

I’ve always had a fondness for the designs of California-based Correia Art Glass. Their sophisticated designs often rely on silhouettes and contrasting colors and usually have their roots in organic elements.


This oversized paperweight, entitled, “Clear Moon and Sea” was created by Correia Studios in 1988. The contrast between the royal blue shadow of the moon and the exposed crescent creates a sense of stark drama over the gently breaking waves below it. Another layer of crystal beneath the surface represents the curve of the earth and adds an element of sparkling infinity to the piece as a whole. It’s truly an ingenious composition.

To learn more about Correia Art Glass, visit their Web site.

Object of the Day: A Paperweight From Correia Studios

Correia Studios is responsible for some of the most exciting art glass produced in the last thirty years. Their collection of vases, sculptures, and paperweights is unrivaled in ingenuity, composition or color.


This paperweight entitled “Emerald Elite,” was created by glass artist Welgrio and features a crystal bubble encased in layers of glittering, striped green glass. The whole of the weight is surrounded by emerald and amethyst-toned sparkling crystal which has been infused with minerals to make it shimmer. This method of layering different types of glass is one of Correia’s hallmarks and one of the reasons their creations are so celebrated.

The weight has been faceted so that the face of it comes to an angle. When viewing the piece from the front, your eyes are tricked into seeing two crystal bubbles when there’s only one. I call this piece, “The Owl,” because when viewed straight-on, the illusion is that of an owl’s countenance.

Object of the Day: A Miniature Paperweight by Daniel Salazar

Founded in 1970 by the late James Lundberg, California-based Lundburg Studios continues to produce some of the most innovative and elegant art glass in the industry. Since 1975, many of Lundberg’s intricate designs have been the work of Daniel Salazar. Salazar quickly earned a reputation for his naturalistic scenes—bird, florals, and marine life—as well as his abstract work.


This paperweight signed by Daniel Salazar is a miniature inasmuch as it’s about a third the size of the average paperweight. The central feature is a delicately crafted orchid of gold and deep purple surrounded by flowing bright green leaves. The sense of fluidity is one of the defining characteristics of Salazar’s work.

The artistry of Lundberg Studios is just one more bit of evidence that the spirit of the Belle Époque is alive and well. We’re still creating beautiful things in this world. Now, it’s up to us to find them.