Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This "Paperweight" is a masterful example of 19th-century "Clichy" glassmaking, a technique known for its intricate, multi-colored glass inclusions. The paperweight, made by Clichy Glasshouse between 1845 and 1860, features a mesmerizing, swirling pattern of colored glass rods encased within a clear, transparent glass sphere. This captivating paperweight, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, showcases the artistry and meticulous craftsmanship of the Clichy glassmakers. The intricate floral motif within the sphere highlights the technique's popularity in Victorian homes as both decorative objects and tools for magnifying and examining the world.