AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is an Eickholt iridescent jellyfish paperweight, signed and dated 1996. It is a solid, spherical glass object, likely hand-blown given the organic form of the interior jellyfish. The overall diameter of the sphere can be estimated by comparison to the rulers visible in the image, suggesting it is approximately 3.5 to 4 inches in diameter. The glass is clear, with a slight yellow tint possibly from age or the glass composition itself, allowing for full visibility of the internal artistic creation. Inside, a detailed jellyfish form is suspended, exhibiting iridescent qualities that shift colors, predominantly showing hues of light blue, white, and a subtle yellowish-gold, especially in the tentacles. The jellyfish appears to have a prominent bell and flowing tentacles that extend towards the bottom of the sphere. Small, delicate bubbles are strategically placed within the glass, seemingly surrounding the jellyfish, enhancing the aquatic theme and giving a sense of movement. There is an orange sticker visible on the top surface, likely a lot number or inventory tag from an auction, which is not part of the original design. The craftsmanship appears to be of high quality, with a smooth, polished exterior and intricate internal details. The signature and date '1996' indicate its specific vintage and artisan, contributing to its collectibility. There are no readily apparent condition issues such as chips, cracks, or significant abrasions visible in the provided image; the glass appears clean and intact.

Based on my examination of the provided images, this is a very fine example of a Robert Eickholt studio glass paperweight, specifically a jellyfish design dated 1996. Visually, the piece appears to be in excellent condition, with no discernible chips, cracks, or significant scratches on its polished surface. The internal jellyfish sculpture is well-executed, featuring a beautiful iridescent bell and delicate, flowing tentacles, accented by controlled bubbles that create a dynamic aquatic scene. The signature 'Eickholt 1996' is consistent with known examples of the artist's work from this period. However, authentication based solely on images has its limits; a definitive verification would require in-person inspection to confirm the signature's authenticity and to physically examine the pontil mark and glass quality. The market for Eickholt paperweights, especially those from the 1990s, remains steady among collectors. Similar jellyfish paperweights by Eickholt from this era typically sell in the range of $100 to $250. The piece's larger size (approx. 3.5-4 inches) and the quality of the iridescence place it at the higher end of this range. While not exceedingly rare, the jellyfish motif is one of Eickholt's most popular designs, ensuring consistent demand. Assuming the piece is free from damage upon physical inspection, its value is well-supported by market comparables.