Bell Jar Paperweight Appraisal

Miniature Dried Flower Glass Cloche Paperweight

This decorative item is a miniature floral arrangement encapsulated within a clear glass dome, often referred to as a cloche or bell jar. The piece stands approximately 4 to 5 inches tall and features a thick, molded glass base that provides stability and weight, making it suitable for use as a paperweight or a shelf accent. Inside the dome is a preservation of botanicals, including a prominent pinkish-red rose in full bloom, a smaller rosebud above it, and various sprigs of dried greenery, tiny white star-shaped filler flowers, and textured beige elements that resemble thistles or dried pods. The colors of the central rose show some natural fading and edge darkening, typical of aged dried flowers. The greenery appears to be a mix of air-dried ferns or cedar-like foliage. The glass dome is seamlessly attached to the base, which has a beveled edge for light refraction. While no maker's mark is visible from this angle, this style of floral preservation was highly popular in the late 20th century, specifically between the 1970s and 1990s, often produced by companies like Creative Gardens. The condition appears fair to good; while the glass is clear and free of major cracks, there is internal visible debris or 'dusting' from the aging organic matter settling at the bottom, which is standard for vintage floral specimens.