Amethyst Art Glass Witch Ball or Fairy Orb
Glass decorative object / Vessel • Unknown studio glass artist; possibly American or European studio glass movement. Style is reminiscent of Fenton, Blenko, or local artisan glassworks.
Style & Movement
Studio Glass Movement / Folk Revival Art Glass
Medium & Technique
Hand-blown glass; pontil technique with translucent amethyst-colored glass and a clear glass integrated base.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century to early 21st Century (Modern/Contemporary)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 4-6 inches in diameter; Three-dimensional spherical format with integral base.
Subject Description
A spherical decorative glass orb in a deep amethyst hue. The object features a visible 'pontil' mark at the bottom where it was detached from the glassblower's rod and rests on an integral clear glass ring foot. In folk tradition, such orbs are termed 'witch balls' and were historically hung in windows to ward off spirits or the 'evil eye'.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; visible light surface scratches consistent with handling and age. No major chips or cracks visible in the provided image.
Estimated Market Value
$40.00 - $85.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$30.00 - $60.00 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via secondary market, craft fair, or specialty gift shop; no visible maker's marks or signatures are apparent in the photo.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the intersection of 19th-century folk belief and the modern Studio Glass movement. While a common decorative item, it reflects the enduring popularity of handmade glass craft and the revival of traditional motifs in modern homes.
Notable Features
Integrated clear glass base, deep saturated amethyst color, and hand-blown characteristics such as slight asymmetry and internal bubbles.
Condition Issues
Minor surface abrasions and internal air bubbles (seeds) common to hand-blown glass. The pontil mark is raw/unpolished, which is a characteristic of manufacture rather than damage.
Conservation Recommendations
Hand wash only with mild soap and lukewarm water; avoid extreme temperature changes to prevent thermal shock; display away from high-traffic edges to prevent rolling/dropping.
Collector Notes
All one piece