Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This intricate glass paperweight, created by the Compagnie de Saint Louis, is a beautiful example of the "cameo glass" technique. The technique is known for its intricate designs, often featuring floral motifs, which are created by layering different colors of glass and then carving away the top layer to reveal the design beneath. This particular paperweight features a delicate purple flower with green leaves against a dark black background. The intricate details of the flower and leaves, combined with the shimmering effect of the black glass, make this paperweight a captivating example of 19th-century glassmaking artistry.