Snake Paperweight
Found: A glass paperweight featuring a slithering snake by Salviati & Co., the glassblowing company known for supporting the revival of Venice's Murano glass industry in the 19th century. This piece was designed by Heinz Oestergaard, one of the leading German fashion designers of the postwar period.
Founded in 1859 by Antonio Salviati, Salviati & Co was a family of glass makers and mosaicists based in Murano, Venice. They later moved their headquarters to London at 213 Regent Street (the current home of London's flagship Apple Store) after the Nazis occupied the Salviati building in Venice during World War II. Since then, Salviati's influence has been undeniable, paving the way for glassmakers globally with its style and rich history. Salviati's pieces have been found in collections of the Museum August Kestner in Hanover, Germany, the Museum of Modern Art and Corning Museum of Glass in New York, the Eretz Museum in Tel Aviv, Israel, and the Murano Glass Museum in Venice.
Origin: Italy
What we love about it: The sleek design of the snake and the alluring red dot detail in the center.
How to bring it new life: On your pile of important docs. The snake will make sure you get back to them.