Paperweight c. 1840

This small, intricately patterned "Paperweight" is a prime example of millefiori glasswork, a technique originating in Venice in the 15th century. The artist, whose identity is unknown, created this small, round object by fusing together rods of colored glass, then cutting and polishing them to reveal the mesmerizing multi-colored patterns. This example, from c. 1840, is part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection and showcases the enduring beauty of this intricate decorative technique.