Paperweight 1847

"Paperweight" is a small, hand-blown glass sphere created by Italian artist Pietro Bigaglia in 1847. The paperweight is filled with colorful millefiori, which are tiny glass rods that are fused together and then sliced to create intricate patterns. The millefiori are embedded in the clear glass, creating a mesmerizing effect. This "Paperweight" is a prime example of the art of millefiori, which flourished in Venice during the 1800s, and is currently on display at The Art Institute of Chicago.