Millefiori Glass Paperweight
This is a spherical, hand-formed glass paperweight featuring internal millefiori (thousand flowers) cane decoration. The object exhibits a dense, concentric arrangement of glass canes in varying patterns, including white ruffled blossoms, black quatrefoils, and vibrant red/orange-centered florets with green borders. The construction involves the 'thousand-flower' technique where cross-sections of glass rods are embedded within a clear molten glass matrix and then shaped into a smooth dome. The item rests on what appears to be a slightly flattened base for stability. Physically, the clear glass casing shows some surface micro-scratches and minor wear consistent with domestic use and age, likely dating to the mid-to-late 20th century. One can observe small air bubbles, or 'seeds', trapped within the glass, which is common in handmade artistic glass. The level of craftsmanship indicates a mass-market or mid-range production rather than a high-end antique like Clichy or Baccarat, as the cane symmetry is slightly irregular and the spacing varies. It serves both a functional purpose for holding down documents and a decorative purpose as a piece of art glass.
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Estimated Value
$45-75
Basic Information
Category
Art Glass / Collectible Paperweights
Appraised On
January 3, 2026
Estimated Value
$45-75
Item Description
This is a spherical, hand-formed glass paperweight featuring internal millefiori (thousand flowers) cane decoration. The object exhibits a dense, concentric arrangement of glass canes in varying patterns, including white ruffled blossoms, black quatrefoils, and vibrant red/orange-centered florets with green borders. The construction involves the 'thousand-flower' technique where cross-sections of glass rods are embedded within a clear molten glass matrix and then shaped into a smooth dome. The item rests on what appears to be a slightly flattened base for stability. Physically, the clear glass casing shows some surface micro-scratches and minor wear consistent with domestic use and age, likely dating to the mid-to-late 20th century. One can observe small air bubbles, or 'seeds', trapped within the glass, which is common in handmade artistic glass. The level of craftsmanship indicates a mass-market or mid-range production rather than a high-end antique like Clichy or Baccarat, as the cane symmetry is slightly irregular and the spacing varies. It serves both a functional purpose for holding down documents and a decorative purpose as a piece of art glass.
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