Paperweight c. 19th century

"Paperweight" is a glass paperweight created by the Clichy Glasshouse, a French glassmaking company active in the 19th century. The intricate design features a central flower surrounded by concentric rings of smaller floral motifs in shades of green, purple, and white. This type of paperweight, known as a millefiori, is created by fusing together rods of colored glass. This example, made around the 19th century, is a testament to the skill and artistry of glassblowers and now resides in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.