Glass Friendship Ball Appraisal

Hand-Blown Millefiori Glass Friendship Ball

This item is a decorative hand-blown glass orb, commonly referred to as a Friendship Ball or Spirit Ball, measuring approximately 8 inches in diameter. The sphere is crafted from clear glass infused with vibrant 'millefiori' (a thousand flowers) glass canes, featuring varied floral patterns in shades of tangerine orange, deep violet, emerald green, and cobalt blue. Each individual cane slice is fused into the glass wall, creating a mosaic-like surface that captures and refracts light. The orb features a hand-formed clear glass hanging loop at the top, integrated seamlessly into the body of the sphere, used for suspension. Its construction suggests a high-quality artisanal process, likely from the late 20th to early 21st century, following traditional Venetian techniques. The condition is noted as good, with no visible clouding, cracks, or significant abrasions on the surface. There are no prominent maker's marks visible in the photograph, which is common for such studio glass pieces. The overall craftsmanship is consistent with professional glass blowing, exhibiting uniform wall thickness and a smooth, polished finish. The piece serves as a striking example of contemporary decorative glass art meant for display in windows to maximize its color-play.