Crystal-clear view of miniature worlds

The opening piece is a green three-dimensional water flower blooming to form the contours of its pistil, all in glass rods. It is named Notus, after the god of the south wind in Greek mythology, who is believed to "have been trapped in this paperweight".

The ending piece, a white ceramic horse encased in a blue sphere, reflects the Year of the Horse in Chinese astrology.

The tradition of antique paperweights can be traced back to 1845, led by several French cristallerie including Saint-Louis. During its heyday, a total of 15,000 to 25,000 weights were produced, according to the The Art of the Paperweight: Saint-Louis.

The interest in these little crystal balls, mainly for collections, has waxed and waned over the past century, while the glassmaking art gradually fades, leaving Saint-Louis one of the few, if not the last, crystal makers who continue the production.

"We probably (will forever) need paper for very important things, and not only for invoices," says Dumonteil.

"If we have paper, we will need something to keep it (in place). It could be a file, or a paperweight. And a paperweight is more poetic."

If you go

Saint Louis Paperweight Exhibition 11 am-7 pm, Jan 8-14. Galerie Dumonteil

Room 101, Block 22, Sinan Mansions, 523 Fuxing Zhonglu (Middle Road), Huangpu district, Shanghai. 021-6418-6367.

11 am-7 pm, Jan 17-long. Hermes-Puiforcat-Saint-Louis boutique.

Room 410, 4F, Plaza 66, 1266 Nanjing Xilu (West Road), Jing’an district, Shanghai.

021-6288-9880.