Paperweight 1825 - 1840

This anonymous "Paperweight" is a fascinating example of 19th century glassmaking. Created sometime between 1825 and 1840, the piece showcases the intricate technique of "Millefiori," meaning "a thousand flowers" in Italian. This technique involves arranging rods of colored glass together, fusing them, and then slicing them to reveal a cross-section of the pattern. The result is a mesmerizing display of color and texture, seen in this paperweight's swirling pattern of red, blue, yellow, and white. The "Paperweight" is currently on display at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.