Paperweight c. 19th century

This 19th-century paperweight, created by the Clichy Glasshouse, is a beautiful example of the "Millefiori" technique, which translates to "thousand flowers". The intricate, layered design consists of concentric circles of colorful glass rods, fused together and then sliced to reveal a cross-section of floral patterns. The paperweight's deep purple background provides a striking contrast to the vibrant white, pink, and green flowers, making it a captivating and intricate piece of glass art. It is currently part of The Art Institute of Chicago's collection.