Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

"Paperweight" is a colorful glass paperweight created by the Clichy Glasshouse, a renowned glassmaking company, in the mid-19th century. This intricate paperweight, housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, showcases the mastery of the Clichy glassblowers in creating intricate designs. The paperweight is covered with tiny, multi-colored flowers and patterns, demonstrating the "Millefiori" technique, a process of fusing together rods of colored glass to create elaborate floral arrangements. This paperweight is a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of the Clichy Glasshouse during the Victorian era.