A timeless gift, thanks to its practical and aesthetic benefits, a paperweight comes in endless shapes, sizes, and designs. Some feature life-like footprints or paw prints, while others harbor glass flowers or unique terrarium-like worlds full of colors and patterns. Here, take a moment to learn about the unique history of the product found in gift shops around the world.

A Scholar’s Studio Staple

The Chinese invented paper in 105 CE when the Han Dynasty reigned supreme, and paperweight inventions soon followed. Early models from the famed dynasty’s era were displayed at the Catalogue of the Collection of Chinese Exhibits at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, MO, in 1904, and were in the shapes of real and mythical beasts. Paperweights were common tools in Chinese scholar studios, with their popularity extending past the land of the Sleeping Dragon in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Glass Paperweight Origins

Chinese paperweights were typically made of jade; however, the French are responsible for the glass paperweights commonly used today, as the glass industry took hold during the Industrial Revolution. Their first documented appearance came during the 1845 Exhibition of the Austrian Industry in Vienna when artist Pietro Bigaglia of Venice displayed his works.

Glass paperweights again made headlines at the 1851 Great Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations in London, England, with three major French glass companies—Clichy, Saint-Louis, and Baccarat—soon mass-producing them.

The era was known as the Classic Period of French paperweights (1845-1860); however, other European countries, as well as the United States, became interested in paperweight production. Crystal and resin were popular materials and the trinkets featured everything from button collections to scorpions and real flowers to coins.

Paperweight manufacturing continues around the globe today, and collections are found in museums, in addition to the homes and desks of enthusiasts. 

Browse for paperweights, among other special gifts, at St. Louis Patty-Cakes, the gift shop serving St. Louis County, MO, and the surrounding areas since 1946. Specializing in personalized gifts, such as handprint impressions, you’ll walk away with something extra special when you visit this store. Call (855) 855-785-7288) with questions or browse collections online.