Intricate and Interesting Axiomata of Paperweights

Paperweights have been designed in various interesting ways throughout history and across cultures. Beyond their practical function of holding down papers and books, their designs also serve as decorative pieces, adding elegance and personality to desks and bookshelves. They are also used as diplomatic gifts between cities, showcasing the cultural background and historical stories of a city through clever and thoughtful design. The visual language of paperweight designs is therefore a unique way to highlight the features of a city.

Majestic and valiant, the golden lion exudes a sense of royal dignity, an indispensable symbol of royalty. In medieval England, King Richard I, also known as Richard the Lionheart, was celebrated for his strategic brilliance and prowess in battle.

The lion on the paperweight exhibits human-like features, from the eyes and ears to the playful blep of the tongue. The curls on the lion's mane portray a robust and majestic.

Gifted by Grant Shapps, Chairperson of the Conservative Party
<Read More "United Kingdom Royal Coat of Arms Guardant Lion Paperweight">

Did you know that the origins of the British Parliament can be traced back to the Witan of the 5th century? The modern British Parliament is located in the Palace of Westminster in London, which was reconstructed in the 1830s. Today, the palace is more commonly known as the Houses of Parliament, accommodating both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The building sits on the north bank of the River Thames, with the famous Big Ben clock towering at its northwest corner.

In contrast to the predominantly red color scheme and lavish decoration of the modern House of Lords, the House of Commons chamber is characterized by its signature green, which is simpler and more understated compared to the House of Lords. The distinctive green of the House of Commons, as seen in the paperweight in the image, in combination with dark green and gold, truly exudes an English charm!

Gifted by Mark Garnier, Member of the House of Commons
<Read More "United Kingdom House of Commons Paperweight">

The French Parliament operates on a bicameral system, consisting of the upper house, or the Senate (Sénat), and the lower house, or the National Assembly (Assemblée Nationale). Each house has its own legislative procedures and rules. The National Assembly is located in the Bourbon Palace on the left bank of the Seine River in Paris, France. The palace was designed by Italian architect Lorenzo Giardini and was constructed in 1722 for the Duchess of Bourbon, daughter of Louis XIV.

This paperweight faithfully reproduces the appearance of the parliamentary chamber, providing a glimpse into the atmosphere of the parliamentary space. It is noteworthy that the Bourbon Palace has undergone continuous renovations since the 19th century, with the assistance of the renowned artist Eugène Delacroix, and it occasionally hosts contemporary art exhibitions.

Gifted by Frédérique Massat, Chairperson of the Committee of Economic Affairs, French National Assembly
<Read More "French National Assembly Paperweight">

The paperweight features the sword of justice, hand of justice, and Phrygian cap, representing the responsibility borne by the parliamentarians as the voice of the people.

What then is the Phrygian cap? During the French Revolution, those involved wore red Phrygian caps, also known as liberty caps, to symbolize passion and unity. It became a significant symbol of the French Revolution and was named accordingly.

It's also worth noting that the character Papa Smurf in the famous cartoon series The Smurfs also wears a red Phrygian cap.

Gifted by Leila Aïchi, Chairperson of the Committee of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Armed Forces, French Senate
<Read More "French Senate Paperweight">

Courage and appeal are what come to mind when thinking about the American eagle, or more specifically the bald eagle. The bird of prey symbolizes power, freedom, and courage. On the emblem, the eagle is holding 13 arrows in one talon, depicting war, and an olive branch with 13 leaves in the other, depicting peace.

The number 13 represents the thirteen original British colonies established during the colonization of North America, which later became the precursor to the United States during its independence. The scroll in the eagle's beak bears the Latin inscription "E PLURIBUS UNUM," meaning "Out of many, one." The design of the national emblem of the United States was adopted by the Continental Congress in 1782 and has been in use ever since.

It is rumored that the eagle's head turns towards the side of the arrows during wartime while facing the olive branch during peacetime. What do you think? Take a closer look at the orientation of the eagle's head on this emblem.

Gifted by Ian Paul Steff, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Commerce for Manufacturing
<Read More "U.S. National Emblem Paperweight and Commemorative Badge">

The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) was established in 1979 under the Taiwan Relations Act and serves as an organization responsible for facilitating exchanges between Taiwan and the United States.

The glass paperweight in the image is inscribed with the words "STRONG FOUNDATION BRIGHT FUTURE" in both Chinese and English, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan-U.S. relationship. The design of the number “40” incorporates elements of the American flag. The title was also used for an exhibition that toured Taiwan from 2018 to 2019, showcasing a special exhibition on U.S.-Taiwan relations.

Gifted by Brent Christensen, Director of the American Institute in Taipei
<Read More "American Institute in Taipei Emblem Paperweight">

It's obvious that the wild bear depicted on the paperweight is the Californian grizzly. The grizzly represents the rich geographic and cultural background of California and symbolizes strength and independence. The mountain range, also depicted on the paperweight, is the Sierra Nevada which runs through California and Nevada.

The Latin phrase "legislatorum est justas Leges condere" is inscribed on a ribbon across the paperweight, signifying legislators' responsibility to establish just laws.

It's worth noting that the California state seal enshrined in the state constitution of 1849 also incorporates many cultural and geographical features of California as emblematic elements. It may be interesting to compare the elements seen on the paperweight and those on the state seal to identify shared elements.

Gifted by Anthony Rendon, Speaker of the California State Assembly
<Read More "California State Assembly Paperweight">

Brno is the second-largest city in the Czech Republic. It was once the capital of the southeastern region of Moravia. The paperweight in the picture draws inspiration from a glass sphere and features several red and white lines, symbolizing the city flag of Brno. The colors are derived from the medieval coat of arms of the Kingdom of Bohemia, with a red shield as the background and a royal white lion.

An interesting fact about Brno is the astronomical clock located in the main square. At 11 o'clock each day, it releases a glass marble, which a lucky spectator can take home as a gift. The design of the paperweight is therefore also inspired by the shape of that marble.

Gifted by the Brno City Government
<Read More "Paperweight with Emblem of Brno City">