Paperweight 1860 - 1880

This "Paperweight" is a beautiful example of American glassblowing from the 19th century, created by the New England Glass Company. The piece, currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is crafted from a single piece of clear glass, molded into the shape of a fruit with a yellow-orange gradient to a pink-red hue. The clear base adds a subtle yet important detail, evoking the visual impression of a fruit sitting on a table. The piece exemplifies the company's skill in utilizing clear glass and incorporating subtle color gradients, showcasing the artistic potential of a simple material.