Cobalt Swirl and Controlled Bubbles Paperweight
Decorative art, glass sculpture, paperweight • Attributed to mid-century studio glass makers or traditional glassworks (such as Murano, Viking Glass, or similar mid-century art glass manufacturers)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern Studio Glass
Medium & Technique
Hand-blown art glass with controlled air bubbles (sommerso or controlled bubble technique) and encased cobalt blue glass threads or twists
Creation Period
Mid-to-late 20th century, circa 1960s-1980s
Dimensions & Format
Spherical format, approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) in diameter
Subject Description
Spherical glass paperweight featuring a deep cobalt blue internal core with swirling glass strands suspended inside a thick layer of clear crystal glass, heavily populated with spherical trapped air bubbles of varying sizes
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good, with minor surface wear consistent with age and handling
Estimated Market Value
30.00 - 75.00 USD
Auction Estimate
20.00 - 50.00 USD
Provenance History
Unknown domestic collection; typical of mid-century decorative art objects acquired through antique shops or estate sales
Art Historical Significance
Represents the popularization of studio glass and decorative paperweights during the mid-20th century revival of glassblowing arts
Notable Features
High clarity of the outer clear casing combined with the striking deep cobalt blue interior and deliberate placement of spherical air bubbles creating a refractive lens effect
Condition Issues
Minor light surface scratches and standard shelf wear on the flat or polished pontil base, typical of vintage use
Conservation Recommendations
Keep clean using a soft microfiber cloth and mild glass cleaner; display away from direct, high-heat sunlight or unstable shelving to prevent rolling and impact damage