Topic: Beveled, Etched/Engraved, Cube PWT Signed... ID = Chinese

[ttttootall]

Purchased this at an estate sale in Atlanta, Georgia (USA) a few weeks back.
The paperweight measures 1 3/4" inches across by 1 1/2" inches tall cubed.
It is beveled on all sides.
There is etchings on the back side and one side of flowers and leafs.
On the inside are two birds and a plant.
It has what appears to be the initial  "J . G." or "F. G." etched on the bottom.
Would like any input or information on this piece.
Thank you for looking,

[ttttootall]

More pics...

[w8happiness]

Hello Tony,

an interesting unusual form!
The engraving may have been done later, though the flowers look Asian as well...

 I came across a similar weight, very small and faceted all over, with three "sulphide" birds on a branch or nest, all in green and red. Very bad yellowed glass, feels soapy in the hand...

All the above facts have lead to attribution to so called "aquarium" weights from China, the were retailed in masses in the 1930ies to the USA in stores like Woolworth's, and have had numerous wrong attributions (even until recently). Most peculiar are Chinese copies of the antique French Baccarat pansy.   

Glass from this period and China tends to "smell" when not wiped for a longer time, reminds of vinegar...

Alan Thornton has done some research about older Chinese weights, he will know more!

Kind regards, Erhard     

[tropdevin]

***

I think Erhard has covered it: a Chinese aquarium weight.  Not sure of the precise age, but 1930 - 1950 sounds reasonable.  We have several of different designs and shapes.

Alan

[rocco]

Nice one!
Not so sure either if the engraving is original.

There is a version with Panda bears >> Link, you have to scroll down a little.

I have one with a red crested crane beside some reed.
Mine has slightly smoky coloured glass.

Michael

[ttttootall]

 Thank you for your responses. I too believe the etching was done at a later date. I thought this when I first  purchased it.  After viewing the link provided, I think I did ok by paying $3.00(U.S.). Again, thank you and I will add this to my other aquarium paperweights.