Paperweight c. 1848 - 1855

This "Paperweight" from the Compagnie de Saint Louis is a beautiful example of 19th-century French glassmaking. The paperweight, created sometime between 1848 and 1855, features a green glass base with a floral design made using the "pate de verre" (glass paste) technique. The paperweight is a small, delicate piece that is both functional and decorative, and the use of rich colors and intricate details make it a true work of art. The Art Institute of Chicago now houses this exquisite example of French glassmaking.