Other Techniques

Other Techninques

Sulphides, millefiori, and lampwork were the three main techniques used in creating paperweights. However, there were several other important techniques employed in constructing the backgrounds of paperweight designs, and for creating special effects.

Lampworked White Camomile on Latticinio and Red Ground Saint Louis, circa 1845-55

Latticinio was a technique frequently used to create a background that resembled basketry or lace. Related to latticinio was filigree, in which white lines similar to those in latticinio were twisted around clear rods, cut into short pieces, and placed between canes to create a folded cloth-like appearance.

Turquoise Overlay Mushroom Millefiori Clichy, circa 1845-55

Overlay is a technique that creates a colored surface on the paperweight, and is then ground away in circular areas to create windows through which to view the interior design.

Blown Glass Pear New England Glass Company circa 1852-1880

Glassmakers created hollow blown paperweights by using a blowpipe to inflate the molten glass, and tools with which to keep the shape under control.

Turquoise and White Swirl Clichy, circa 1845-55

Crowns, Swirls, and Marbries. Swirl designs on paperweights were formed from straight rods that were placed in a form and were fused onto a gather of molten glass, which was then twisted. Crown weights were made in a similar fashion, but the rods were filigree and twisted. Marbrie weights had surface swirls on a hollow body.

Hand-painted Pinchbeck Unknown factory Circa 1845-55

Pinchbeck is the name of an alloy that was used to create pictorial scenes on a base, which was then covered with a dome of clear glass.