Topic: Close concentric millefiori paperweight - Unknown

[Otis Orlando]

Hi all,  I purchased this paperweight along with others as a job lot.  This particular paperweight along with another one which I will post some time this week, attracted my attention, due to it's close concentric design.  I first thought it could be a perthshire.  I have no idea and not able to find one of a very similar design.  It is a very heavy paperweight and weighs approx. 700g.   The height is approx. 6.8cm with a dia. 8.8cm.  My focus of attention in order of finding any leads were based solely upon the centre white cane and the outer red star shape canes.  There are no other visible markings that I can identify in order to assist me with my search.  The flat base is slightly polished and shows signs of wear.  On the base there is a small mark or imperfection......... I think?  The mark first led me to think it was Murano but the mark is smaller than the ones I have previously seen.  The mark is oval and concaved and measures approx. 0.4cm and about 1.4cm away from the outer base line.  I am unable at the moment to get a good picture of this.   Any help in identifying this, would be appreciated!

[paperweights]

Have you considered that it might be Chinese?

[Otis Orlando]

To be honest, no! But  an area I could do with researching.   I have a few others with similar designs and it would certainly be an area to explore.  Thanks!

[tropdevin]

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Hi. I would vote for Chinese too.

Alan

[Otis Orlando]

Cheers Alan, another one I can add to my Chinese collection.   :smg:

[Roger H]

    Chinese yes and a reasonable one too. I realise "chinese" sort of conjours up a second rate weight but there are several made that can be very collectable if we consider price against artistic value. Roger.

[KevinH]

And for extra confirmation, check out eBay (& elsewhere) for listings of Ann Primrose Murano Collection D'arte items.

See this eBay listing (item 120782781650) for an example with a very close cane match to one in Otis's weight - the red star centre with blue-white outers. That weight has a pettern that is typical of lots of Chinese work from at least ten years ago to current times.

And as far as I can tell, all of the other current eBay listings for "Ann Primrose" weights are for items with typically Chinese patterns and canes.

[Roger H]

   So its chinese origin or chinese canes but with a murano label attached.   
  Recently 3 or 4 Murano weight makers were hauled to court by the government because of putting Murano labels to Chinese imports.  Must have been cheaper than making them theirselves. Roger.

[Otis Orlando]

Hi all, Thanks for your info. however,  somewhat confused. .  I am very much enclined to agree though, that the Paperweight on Ebay is from the same source as mine, especially paying close attention to the canes that are very similar or should I say, the same.  I can rule out Murano, but bare in mind I am no expert,  as the quality compared to others I have seen is just not there.  I am still going to go along the lines that mine is Chinese.  :thup:

[antiquerose123]

Are the older Chinese ones worth collecting?  As they must have a field of their own for collectors?  Not like the mass market ones made like today...

This one looks nice and well made compared to some I have seen (or bought myself)  :spls: