Paperweight c. 1845 - 1855

"Paperweight," a striking example of millefiori glasswork, was created by the Clichy Glasshouse in France between 1845 and 1855. This small but intricate object showcases the technique of millefiori, which translates to "thousand flowers" in Italian. This method involves fusing together rods of colored glass to create intricate floral patterns, which are then sliced and polished to reveal the beautiful designs. This paperweight, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, demonstrates the high craftsmanship and artistry of the Clichy Glasshouse during the mid-19th century, a time when the popularity of millefiori glass was at its peak.