Art Glass Paperweight Appraisal

Art Glass Swirl Paperweight

This item is a spherical art glass paperweight, characterized by its transparent glass body encasing a complex, swirling internal design. The dominant colors within the swirl are rich browns and amber tones, with subtle hints of lighter, almost yellow or gold accents, particularly towards the center of the spiral. The design forms a distinct spiral or vortex pattern, beginning at the core and expanding outwards, creating a sense of depth and movement within the solid glass. The glass itself appears highly polished and clear, allowing the internal design to be clearly visible and contributing to its optical quality. There are no immediately apparent chips, cracks, or significant abrasions on the exterior surface, suggesting good preservation. The craftsmanship indicates a hand-blown or lamp-worked glass piece, given the fluidity and organic nature of the internal patterns. While no maker's marks or signatures are visible from this perspective, such pieces often have polished pontil marks or engraved signatures on the flat base, which is not shown. The approximate size appears to be standard for a paperweight, likely fitting comfortably within the palm of a hand (as depicted). The style suggests a contemporary or late 20th-century to early 21st-century creation, typical of studio art glass. The deliberate layering and manipulation of colors and transparent glass demonstrate a high level of skill and artistic intent.