For sale is a lovely art glass paperweight made by Orient & Flume of Chico, California. The paperweight is in the shape of an orb and is decorated nicely in the Art Nouveau fashion. The paperweight orb stands 2 5/8" tall and is 3 1/4" in diameter. I am told this is the larger orb paperweight made by Orient and Flume.

The paperweight displays a wonderful pattern of feather pulls along the bottom two thirds. It is further decorated on the top of the paperweight with a four point star Art Nouveau pattern. It has a four leaf clover concept but the shape of the leaves are more pointed than a clover. Inside the deep blue border outline of these leaves is a green decoration that resembles leaves. You can see the vertical veining in the leaves and they are outlined in a beige and amber color. These decorations both top and bottom are set against a brilliant gold Aurene iridescent background. The colors in this art glass paperweight are just Superb!! The detail and iridescence is just outstanding. What a great Art Nouveau design that will please the most discriminating art glass paperweight collector.

This Paperweight is considered to be in excellent condition as there are no cracks, chips, or dings. There is the tiniest of a flea nick in the pulled feather area upon close inspection with a magnifier and considered insignificant. The piece is signed on the bottom "Orient + Flume" written in script along with "593 O 1977". This means this piece was made in October of 1977.

Orient + Flume was started by well known glass artist David Hopper who got the first MA in glass from San Jose State in 1969 and his wife Shari Maxson Hopper and their partner Douglas Boyd who got his degree from SJS in a combination of glass and clay. The partnership ended in 1982 and the glass production after that has changed since David was the lead glassblower everyday and Douglas does not blow glass anymore since the late 70's.

This is one of Orient + Flumes earlier works as they were founded in 1972 by noted glass artist David Hopper. This is only 5 years into their history and a superb example at that. This is a quality art glass orb paperweight made by one of the finest art glass blowers of today. This will look wonderful in any Art Nouveau décor as well as enhancing any art glass paperweight collection.