Topic: Don't Laugh, Please...... :(

[antiquerose123]

 :hi: I have this questionable PW (if that is what you want to call it).  It seems make either poorly, or cheaply -- but I am hoping that it is just sooooooooooo old that explains the way it is made

About 2.5 inches tall.  Poorer Quality of glass, and near the outside base about half way down on the outside -- you can see pitted marks in the glass.  You can see some of this on the bottom (and sides) too.  I hate to say this, but I am not even sure if the *Flower* inside is made of Glass, or a Plastic flower in it.  Sometimes I think it is plastic, and the next time I do not -- so I am flipping on this.

Please Do not laugh at it  :24:, as I bought it for a Song.  I thought "Oh what the He!!."  If it is  :or:, could it be an older  :or: piece?

I am  :spls2: to post *this* with other such fine pieces of PW -- but it is what it is -- and that I am NOT sure about.....this ugly item.


Is there an Ugly PW Section ?                          :buries head in Sand:

[keith]

Think you'll find it's oriental Rose,got one similar somewhere that had a paper label once(washed it off,didn't know any better then)

[Leni]

I won't laugh, Rose    I've got a cabinet full of these.  Yes, it's Chinese, but IMHO the craftsmanship is equal to many mass-pro weights by 'named' glass houses.  The problem is with the quality of the glass  :spls: 

These weights tend to be made with a type of soda-lime glass which can be worked at lower temperatures, making it cheaper to produce.  However, over time the glass breaks down and the chemicals leach out of it.  If the weights are kept in a cabinet it seems to accelerate the process, and you will see (and smell!  ) a greasy film on the surface, and they will eventually degrade to the extent that they even spontaneously develop 'bulls-eyes'!      

But they are very pretty!  Just don't keep them in an enclosed cabinet!    

[antiquerose123]

I won't laugh, Rose    I've got a cabinet full of these.  Yes, it's Chinese, but IMHO the craftsmanship is equal to many mass-pro weights by 'named' glass houses.  The problem is with the quality of the glass  :spls: 

These weights tend to be made with a type of soda-lime glass which can be worked at lower temperatures, making it cheaper to produce.  However, over time the glass breaks down and the chemicals leach out of it.  If the weights are kept in a cabinet it seems to accelerate the process, and you will see (and smell!  ) a greasy film on the surface, and they will eventually degrade to the extent that they even spontaneously develop 'bulls-eyes'!      

But they are very pretty!  Just don't keep them in an enclosed cabinet!    

Yes, a cheap glass, but now I know the name of it (Soda-lime) glass.

Glad to hear you have a Cabinet full of them also.................. :24: 

WHEW.....     :spls2: :thud:

Thanks Leni, Keith for not laughing.... :kissy:

[Leni]

For Rose: My 'dime-a-dozen' (as it's known) cabinet - mainly but not exclusively Chinese weights 

Every so often I take out the ones which have gone 'cloudy', wash them in vinegar and water, and put them back for another few months!    That seems to delay the breakdown of the glass.  I've only had to throw one away because it developed 'bulls-eyes'.  The ones outside - on top of the cabinet - don't seem to be affected at all yet.  (Well, only by dust!   :24:  )

[Lily of the Valley]

Oh, Rose, I would never laugh at anyone about their weights or glass!  I think your Chinese flower is pretty, and it is a weight you can really use as it was intended -- to hold down paper (imagine that!!!)! :24:  It looks to show very well from the top.  One of my favorite weights is a lovely red rose (Chinese) and when people come over, it's one that is always commented about.  It can sit anywhere, it's very touchable, and I never think it has to be locked away in a cabinet.  So, just enjoy your little treasure!

Leni, speaking of cabinets and displays .... yours is great.  All those Chinese weights grouped together look like a little garden!  I'm absolutely drooling over the cabinet though.  It looks really well anchored to your wall .... which it would have to be to hold all those paperweights (with weight being the operative word here ...  ).  Thanks for your explanation about the glass in these weights too! :kissy:

My best ..... Lily :hi:

[keith]

Look familiar?

[antiquerose123]

Oh Leni -- What a Beautiful collection you have there....and Displayed so Lovely!!  :thup:

@ Keith -- Does it look familiar?             YUP.... :24:

[glasstrufflehunter]

I have a bunch of Chinese flower weights. I find them irresistible. If I spot one at a yard sale or bargain shop, I always snap them up.

I love the way you display yours Leni.

[antiquerose123]

I have a bunch of Chinese flower weights. I find them irresistible. If I spot one at a yard sale or bargain shop, I always snap them up.

I love the way you display yours Leni.

Ahem -- to Leni display!!!  :thup: