Paperweight c. 19th century

This 19th-century "Paperweight" by Baccarat Glassworks is a beautiful example of millefiori glass, a technique that uses rods of colored glass to create intricate floral patterns. The piece features a cluster of colorful flowers and leaves enclosed within a clear glass sphere, creating a mesmerizing optical illusion. The vibrant colors and delicate details of the flowers are accentuated by the clear glass, making the paperweight a visually appealing and captivating object. Millefiori glass, meaning "thousand flowers," was popular in the 19th century, and Baccarat Glassworks is well-known for their skilled craftsmanship in this art form. This paperweight, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, showcases the artistry and beauty of this historical glassmaking technique.