Paperweight c. 19th century

"Paperweight" is a 19th-century glass paperweight created by the Clichy Glasshouse, a renowned French glassworks. The paperweight is a masterful example of "Millefiori", an intricate glasswork technique where colored glass rods are fused together and then sliced to create cross-sections of floral patterns. This particular piece features white and pink flower motifs against a deep blue background, with green leaves accentuating the overall design. The paperweight is a testament to the delicate artistry and skill of the Clichy Glasshouse, which was known for producing high-quality, intricately designed glass objects. The Art Institute of Chicago currently houses this small but beautifully detailed work.