Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This "Paperweight" is an example of millefiori glass, a technique dating back to ancient Roman times. The artist, Clichy Glasshouse, crafted this piece in the mid-19th century, utilizing colorful glass rods fused together to create intricate patterns. The paperweight features a central rosette surrounded by a ring of smaller floral motifs, all enclosed in a clear glass sphere. This technique, popular in the 19th century, allows for an intricate and colorful display within a small and functional object.