Paperweight c. 1848 - 1855

This "Paperweight" is a masterful example of millefiori glasswork, a technique where rods of multi-colored glass are fused together and then sliced to create intricate patterns. The Compagnie de Saint Louis, a renowned French glassmaking company, crafted this paperweight between 1848 and 1855. The paperweight's design features a central motif of white and green flowers surrounded by layers of brown and blue glass, showcasing the complex and meticulous nature of the millefiori process. The paperweight, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, demonstrates the intricate beauty and skillful craftsmanship of glassmaking in the 19th century.