Paperweight c. 1845 - 1860

This "Paperweight" is an example of a millefiori paperweight, a type of decorative glasswork popular in the 19th century. Created by the Clichy Glasshouse, this paperweight is composed of multicolored glass rods fused together to create a pattern of flowers and circles. Millefiori paperweights were often given as gifts, and this example is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the Clichy glassmakers. It is on display at the Art Institute of Chicago.