Hand Blown Glass Paperweight Appraisal

Irish Hand-Blown Green Swirl Glass Paperweight

This is a vintage Irish hand-blown glass paperweight, likely dating from the 1980s, as suggested by the provided context. The paperweight is spheroidal or ovoid in shape, with a flattened base, typical for stability on a flat surface. Its primary color is a vibrant emerald green, transitioning into various shades of teal and deeper forest green within the swirling internal design. The internal structure features an intricate, somewhat chaotic, yet mesmerizing swirl pattern of green glass, giving the impression of an encapsulated natural phenomenon, possibly a vortex or an ethereal cloud. There are also tiny encapsulated air bubbles visible throughout the green mass, which are common in hand-blown glass and can sometimes be deliberately introduced for artistic effect. The base of the paperweight shows the natural clarity of the glass, with a yellowish tint, which is a characteristic of lead crystal or certain glass compositions, and may sometimes indicate the area where the pontil mark was polished off, though no distinct mark is visible in the image. The exterior appears smooth, highly polished, and reflective, indicative of quality glasswork. There are no immediately visible chips, cracks, or significant abrasions on the surface, suggesting it has been well-preserved. Minor surface wear consistent with age and handling might be present but is not discernible from the provided images. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, with an appealing aesthetic that highlights the fluidity and depth achievable in glass art, typical of studio glass movements of the late 20th century.