Kugel™ is a German word that means ball. Collectors used this term to describe any early thick glass ornament with a decorative cap. Early Kugels were too heavy to hang on tree branches; instead, they were suspended from the ceiling. Soon after their invention, the Germans decided small Kugels should adorn tree boughs. Shapes such as grapes, berry clusters, apples and pears became popular. F. W. Woolworth is given credit for bringing Kugels™ to America in the 1880s. His initial investment of $25 turned into sales of at least $25 million worth of Kugels over the next several years.
More....The first kugels were blown in Lauscha, Germany as early as 1820. These were big and hung from ceilings in churches, schools, stores and homes. These had glass hangers pikes with corks and wax with a wire through the cork to hang from.
Smaller kugels were also kiln blown starting in the late 1840s. The brass caps started in the early 1850s. In 1859/1860 Kugels™ were first imported into America.
The 1860s also saw the first gas works in Lauscha (1867) and lighter weight early kugels were now also blown at the lamp. These are smaller (usually) and lighter than the kiln blown kugels. These were free blown and mold blown into pinecones and other shapes. Unlike later light-weight pieces, the color in kugels is always IN the glass, not painted on the glass.
Kugels™ were still made in the 1870s and 1880s but waned in popularity as the lamp glass ornaments got more detailed. Even though small 3/4" and 1" kugels were made for feather trees, people wanted the newer lighter weight, painted ornaments. The heavier kugels died out around 1910.
The lamp blown Kugels™ morphed into lighter, painted ornaments like we know today. Woolworth did NOT bring Kugels into America...he brought lighter lamp blown ornaments.
Around 1920 the French started blowing kugels in a new variety of colors. The main company was Vergo Glass located outside of Nancy. Vergo pieces have VG1721 marked on top...which is when the glassmaker was founded. French pieces are much lighter than the older German pieces and have a more Art Deco cap design or a plain ribbed cap design. French Kugels ceased in the early 1930s.
European Art glass balls for holiday decoration are still commonly referred to in Austria and Germany as "Kugels". Kugels range in shape and styles, according to the artist that made them and the season they are displayed. It is quite common to display egg shaped kugels at Easter and Heart shapes at Valentines day. Quality kugels are hand blown or mouth blown art glass. Most are blown into a apple wood mold to retain shape and consistency. Some artists free blow their kugel designs, thus ending up in an irregular shape. Air bubbles are common, and expected by the collector.
In America these glass balls are marketed in many ways. Witch balls, spirit balls, spirit catchers, friendship balls, gazing balls, wishing balls, and so on. Each having a little bit of home grown folklore attached to make the item unique or extra special.
These beautiful hand blown glass window ornament are traditionally known as symbols of friendship. They sparkle in the light the way a good friend brings sparkle to your life. The colors swirl and mingle across the surface of the ball enhancing each other just as the talents and varied personalities of your friends bring color to your life. These balls have intriguing ripples and ridges making them a delight to touch as well as behold.
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