Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This "Paperweight" is a hand-blown glass paperweight produced by the Clichy Glasshouse, a glassmaking studio in France, between 1845 and 1860. The intricate detail of the flower and its leaves, pressed into the clear glass, is indicative of the delicate and skillful nature of French glassmaking during this period. The paperweight, currently on display at the Art Institute of Chicago, is a fascinating example of the creative uses of glass during the 19th century and showcases the art of paperweight making.