Paperweight c. 20th century

This 20th-century paperweight, crafted by an anonymous artist, features a swirling design of colorful glass "filigree" encased in clear glass. The intricate patterns of red, blue, green, and white evoke a sense of delicate beauty, reminiscent of floral motifs often found in Venetian glass. The "Millefiori" technique, which translates to "a thousand flowers", was popular in the 19th century and is characterized by the colorful mosaic-like patterns. The paperweight, now a part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection, is a testament to the enduring artistry of glassmaking.