Cobalt Swirl Blown Glass Sphere
Decorative art, studio glass vessel • Unknown studio glass artist; likely American or European artisan glass workshop
Style & Movement
Contemporary Studio Glass Movement
Medium & Technique
Hand-blown glass with applied trailing; internal bubble (seed) features and cobalt oxide colorants
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (Contemporary)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 4 to 6 inches in diameter; globular/spherical format
Subject Description
Abstract vessel featuring a clear glass body with organic, swirling blue (cobalt) lines. The piece utilizes transparency and light refraction to create depth, with internal air bubbles adding texture.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; showing typical signs of surface wear and manufacturing artifacts
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired via secondary retail market or estate sale
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the mid-to-late 20th-century trend of democratization in glass art, where independent studios moved away from industrial factory production toward individual artistic expression.
Notable Features
Hand-worked pontil mark at the base (unseen but implied by technique); irregular swirling pattern indicating manual rotation during the cooling phase.
Condition Issues
Visible surface scratches; presence of seeds (small bubbles) and cord (lines) which are inherent to the hand-blowing process but are typically considered defects in high-end crystal.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep away from extreme temperature fluctuations to prevent thermal shock; clean with soft microfiber cloth and deionized water; avoid abrasive cleaners.