Abstract Swirl Decorative Orb (Possible Witch's Ball or Art Glass Paperweight)
Decorative art glass object • Unidentified studio artist; likely American or European (Murano/Bohemian style influences)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Studio Glass movement; inherits characteristics of mid-century modernism and traditional Venetian glasswork.
Medium & Technique
Hand-blown glass with internal trail decoration. Techniques include gathered clear glass over colored glass ribbons (latticino style swirls) and hand-tooling.
Creation Period
Late 20th century to early 21st century (Contemporary)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 3-5 inches in diameter; spherical / globular format.
Subject Description
Non-representational abstract composition featuring embedded cobalt blue and maroon/purple ribbons of glass suspended within a clear, translucent spherical matrix. The interior contains small controlled air bubbles (seed bubbles).
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. Surface appears mostly intact but shows visible 'seed' bubbles (natural to the process) and some surface micro-abrasions consistent with handling.
Estimated Market Value
USD 40.00 - USD 120.00
Auction Estimate
USD 30.00 - USD 80.00
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired through a boutique art glass gallery, craft fair, or secondary antique market. No visible signatures or labels are present in the provided image.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of the late 20th-century democratization of glass-blowing. While not a high-profile museum piece, it reflects the technical evolution of the 'Studio Glass Movement' where individual artists explored color suspension inside solid glass forms.
Notable Features
Distinctive swirling ribbon pattern with a high refractive index. The way the blue bands overlap the maroon creates secondary shades of deep purple where colors cross.
Condition Issues
Visible surface scratching; internal seed bubbles (manufacturing defect or intentional); potential pontil mark roughness at the base (not fully visible).
Conservation Recommendations
Clean with a soft, lint-free cloth and distilled water. Avoid chemical solvents. Display away from direct sunlight to prevent thermal expansion/contraction stresses.