Cobalt Blue Swirl Witch Ball
Decorative art, mouth-blown glass vessel • Anonymous studio glass artist; typical of American or European regional glass studios.
Style & Movement
Studio Glass Movement / Folk Art Revival
Medium & Technique
Hand-blown glass; lamp-working or furnace glass technique with blue pigment swirls integrated into clear gathers.
Creation Period
Late 20th to Early 21st Century (Modern Contemporary)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 4-6 inches in diameter; spherical format with a pontil mark or hanging loop termination.
Subject Description
A hollow glass sphere featuring interior swirling of cobalt blue lines. Traditionally used as a 'witch ball' to ward off evil spirits or for holiday decoration.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; showing typical wear consistent with age, though the pontil/loop area appears rough or sheared.
Estimated Market Value
$25 - $75
Auction Estimate
$20 - $50
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired via a craft fair, boutique, or family gift. No visible labels or signatures.
Art Historical Significance
A representation of the enduring folk tradition of protective charms turned into aesthetic household decor; significant as a product of the late 20th-century artisan craft resurgence.
Notable Features
Distinctive cobalt blue spiral pattern and visible hand-crafted imperfections including varied line thickness and asymmetrical shape.
Condition Issues
Visible rough edge at the neck/attachment point indicating it may have been broken from a larger rod or had a hanging loop that is now damaged.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a temperature-controlled environment; clean only with non-ammonia based glass cleaner; display away from high-traffic edges.