Orient & Flume Art Glass was founded in 1972 in Chico, California, by David and Robert Manuel. The company quickly gained recognition for its innovative designs and high-quality craftsmanship in the art glass world. Their paperweights, vases, and other art objects often feature nature-inspired motifs, such as flowers, birds, and marine life, rendered in intricate detail.

Lubomir Richter was a notable artist associated with Orient & Flume, known for his delicate and realistic depictions of birds and floral arrangements within the glass. His work is highly sought after by collectors of contemporary art glass. Orient & Flume pieces, particularly those signed by Richter, represent a blend of artistic vision and technical skill that has made them a significant part of the American art glass movement.