Paperweight c. 19th century

This 19th century "Paperweight" by the Saint Louis Glass Works features a delicate floral design, rendered in pink and green, encased within clear glass. The paperweight displays the intricate "Millefiori" technique, which involves arranging rods of colored glass to create a cross-section pattern, resembling flowers. The "Millefiori" technique, which translates to "thousand flowers," is a popular decorative method in glassmaking, with origins in ancient Rome and Venice. The paperweight, now in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is a testament to the artistry of the Saint Louis Glass Works and the enduring appeal of this time-honored glassmaking technique.