Royal Crown Derby Paperweights, handmade and decorated in England, were conceived as practical yet aesthetically attractive ceramic objects. Typically English paperweights were only manufactured in glass with no strong ceramic connection, presumably because of the fragility of ceramic bodies. Therefore a range of ceramic paperweights was developed that would be both novel in character and unique to Royal Crown Derby. The “Imari” range of patterns developed in the Derby factories from the late 18th century were incorporated into the design concept. These designs are based on Japanese porcelain wares decorated in under-glaze blue, with over-glaze iron red and gold gilding. Today, Royal Crown Derby paperweights are collected and admired around the world for their brilliant, colorful decorations.