Paperweight c. 19th century

This 19th-century paperweight, crafted by the Clichy Glasshouse, is a beautiful example of the "Millefiori" technique. The term, meaning "thousand flowers" in Italian, refers to the process of embedding colorful glass rods into clear glass to create intricate floral patterns. This particular paperweight features a delicate tree with pink flowers and green leaves, all meticulously crafted in glass. The Art Institute of Chicago houses this miniature piece of glass art, showcasing the precision and skill of the glassworkers from the Clichy Glasshouse.