See also - Glass Animals
Decorative glass paperweights were first produced in around 1845, mainly in France, by several manufacturers including Baccarat and St Louis. Glass makers in other countries soon followed suit. The traditional shape of a glass paperweight is spherical, with a flat or slightly concave base. Paperweights usually contain some sort of pattern in the centre, which is often "magnified" by the thick clear glass around it. Typical patterns for paperweights include the use of floral Millefiori canes, lattice Latticino / Zanfiroco filigree, and encased air bubbles. Over the years, other shapes have been produced, including many kinds of sculptural animals and other figurines.