Topic: Information on 2 paperweights purchased as a gift

[fletch]

Hi All,

I purchased these two paperweights for my wife for Christmas as she has always had a fascination with them though has never been a collector. I have no idea what they are and my purchasing decision was purely based on the fact that I liked them and they seemed to be handmade and of decent quality. I believe one or both are antique.

I'm just after some information so I can share that with my wife - any help would be much appreciated!

cheers,

Ben

[paperweights]

The first paperweight with the millefiori design is from the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.  It dates from about 1970.  I can't help you with the other one with a bubble design.

[daveweight]

I think the bubbles weight may be Chinese - anyone agree ?
Dave

[fletch]

Thanks for the prompt reply and information. So more vintage than antique then.
Are Murano paperweights still desirable and collectable from this period ?

Also, does Chinese have negative connotations in the world of Paperweights in that they may be copies or inferior quality or are they also considered collectable and art objects in their own right?

Cheers,

Ben

[Lustrousstone]

I too think the bubble one is Chinese from the colours (a base shot would help too) and possibly almost new. Chinese millefiore paperweights from the c 1930s have a collector following, as do Chinese lampwork  flower weights from the 20th century but none have a lot of value.  What are known as Chinese whites from the first half of the 20th century are much more desirable.

http://www.pwts.co.uk/pages/Chinese%20older%20paperweights.htm

Unfortunately, the modern abstract and bubble weights are mass produced by hand on a large scale (much larger than earlier weights), so ... They are what they are, not copies or inferior quality particularly.
http://www.pwts.co.uk/pages/Chinese.htm

Virtually all paperweights are hand made though.

[tropdevin]

***

Hi.  I am currently working on an improved version of the website that works better with tablets....here are relevant links to the site, and the image galeries:

Site: http://www.pwts.co.uk/index.html

Galleries: http://www.pwts.co.uk/pages/galleries%20new.html

Alan

[Lustrousstone]

Do you want a photo of my pagoda weight Alan http://lustrousstone.co.uk/cpg/displayimage.php?pid=2363 ?

[tropdevin]

***

Yesplease - I plan to add some more Chinese White images in the next few weeks.

Alan

[chopin-liszt]

That's your birdie one, Christine.

[Lustrousstone]

Oops, Alan has a birdie one like mine already  http://lustrousstone.co.uk/cpg/displayimage.php?pid=2643