Paperweight c. 19th century

This 19th-century "Paperweight" by Compagnie de Saint Louis is a beautiful example of "Millefiori" glasswork, a technique that originated in Venice in the 15th century. The intricate pattern of tiny colorful flowers, known as "Millefiori," is created by fusing together rods of colored glass, which are then sliced and arranged to form the decorative design. This "Paperweight" is on display at The Art Institute of Chicago.