Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This "Paperweight" is a circular glass piece, hand-crafted by the Baccarat Glassworks in France around 1845-1860. The paperweight features a bouquet of multi-colored flowers in blue, white, and red, layered onto a clear glass base. The "Paperweight" is on display at The Art Institute of Chicago. The intricate detail and colorful composition make this a remarkable example of French glassmaking during the 19th century. The technique of "Millefiori" is evident, referring to the cross-section of colored glass rods fused together to create the floral designs.