Paperweight c. 19th century

This 19th century paperweight, created by the Baccarat Glass Works, is a stunning example of millefiori glass. The paperweight features a circular design with several concentric layers of colorful glass, creating a vibrant floral effect. Millefiori, meaning "a thousand flowers," is a glassmaking technique where rods of colored glass are fused together and then sliced to create intricate patterns. The paperweight, housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, showcases the delicate beauty and complexity of this traditional art form.