Paperweight c. 19th century

This 19th-century paperweight, produced by the Clichy Glasshouse, is an example of millefiori glasswork. The intricate patterns are created by fusing together rods of different colored glass, then slicing them to reveal the colorful cross-sections. These glassworks were popular in the 19th century, often used as decorative objects or paperweights. The Art Institute of Chicago houses this example of the intricate and colorful art of millefiori.