Gazing balls originated in Venice, Italy, in the 13th century, where the famous Italian glass blowers would blow glass of all sizes and colors. Most of these gazing balls were created for the affluent homes of kings and queens.
Because gazing balls were thought to attract fairies and magical beings, King Ludwig II of Bavaria insisted that gazing balls be hung from trees, floated on the surrounding ponds, and placed on stands in the garden. Considered wildly eccentric, he longed to rule over a fairytale kingdom and built fairytale castles that today rate among Germany’s leading tourist attractions..
Gazing balls were also used to spy on couples as they walked around the garden (you could watch them unseen). They were also used in dining rooms of wealthy homes, so the maids and butlers could watch unobserved to see who needed their tea refilled.
Do you have a gazing ball in your home, yard, or garden?
© lauriebuchanan.com
Tuesdays with Laurie 
No gazing balls in my yard. No one to spy on either. That King Ludwig II of Bavaria was something else. Have a great week!!
Darlene — You have a great week, too! 🙂
No yard or garden to put one in, but wouldn’t mind having one at home. Have a great week, Laurie!
Olga — I think it would be kinda cool to have one in the house, too 🙂
Fascinating history. The belief in fairies and magical beings goes back to the beginning of time. I’ve seen them around my home and yard while “gazing” glassy-eyed, kind of meditating. But a gazing ball would help even more! Do you have one in your yard, Laurie? The closest one I have is a Christmas ornament that looks just like a small glazing ball that my daughter bought during her year in Italy. xo
Pam — We don’t have a gazing ball in our yard. I took this photo across the street in the side yard of one of the home there. I love that you’ve got a Christmas ornament that looks like a gazing ball — and from Italy! 🙂
Early religions in Europe (perhaps elsewhere) were goddess-based. There were also stories of Avalon and women with mystical powers and beliefs. King Ludwig II was not alone among early Kings in wanting power over goddess religions, the fairy people, etc. Fortunately, something beautiful remains from that time in the form of gazing balls. The one pictured here is quite lovely.
Although the gazing balls were used for some negative reasons by Ludwig II,(and others) I like the positive notion of simply taking time for gazing. Reflection of numerous types is often an over looked and valued practice.
Audrey — You’re absolutely right. Gazing balls are a great reminder to invest time in reflection. 🙂
One of our neighbors had a glass ball in his front lawn. It has since been relegated to the back yard along with a flamingo. I don’t believe our HOA is too keen on the fairy story – ha!
We have visited Murano, Italy, a boat ride from Venice, where we saw expert glass blowers produce exquisite work. Enchanting and elegant, but very expensive too.
Marian — There are usually no gray areas with homeowners associations, no stepping outside the bounds. I love that you got to see glass blowers at work in Murano, Italy! 🙂
We had one in our back yard when we lived in WA. We brought it with us when we returned to Canada but, unfortunately it hasn’t survived. Enjoyed reading about the history. Now I want another!
Linda — It’s a shame that your gazing ball didn’t survive your relocation. I’m glad you’e considering getting another one 🙂
I used to have a gazing ball in my backyard, but no more. I am sure I came home from an estate sale and promptly told my husband, “We need to get rid of stuff!” Out went the gazing ball……
LoisaJay — Your comment made me laugh. Thank you! 🙂
Actually, we do have a gazing ball at our house. It belongs to our special renter on the first floor, whom you know. I will share this with her in case she hasn’t seen it!
Shirley — Oh, how FUN! Please tell her that I said “Hello!” 🙂
How fascinating! I didn’t know about any of that. No gazing ball in sight here, but we have binoculars! 😉
Fatima — Ohhhhhh, binoculars are grand! 🙂
So that’s what those are called.
Alien — Yes, indeed 🙂
I have one down in the back – I think I should move it up closer where I can see it better. Now I have a job for today!
Carol — So glad I could assist! 🙂
A couple in the garden, plus one painted bowling ball given to us by a friend. 🙂
Chris
Chris — A painted bowling ball in your garden? Me thinks there’s a post there! 🙂
Not sure about getting a blog post out of that. Painted bowling balls were a fad for about a week here in southern MN. We have a (arts-and-) crafty neighbor, which is how we ended up with one.
Chris
We do not have a gazing ball at our house. At the old house we were on a wooded bluff overlooking a Lake, downtown, across from the Capital Building, and in the distance Mt. Rainier. When the lake was smooth we could see trees and the capital and houses reflected in the lake. River Otters were common playing in the side areas and then in the early days we could see hundreds of salmon swimming up stream. New house has a hand blown glass bird bath in the round inner courtyard, which is a deep royal blue color. I am sure I spent hours gazing at the lake and now into the courtyard. We also have a Frank Lloyd Wright garden sprite in the courtyard which is very calming and elegant. My cousin taught at Findhorn in Scotland for many, many years and she has wonderful stories of the faeries and spirits located within a garden Fun post and enjoy all the delights in your environs – because we benefit from your sharings
Patricia — The lake at your previous home was like a giant gazing ball! The hand-blown glass bird bath at your new home sounds exquisite. I love anything and everything to do with Findhorn. How darned cool that your cousin taught there! 🙂
I haven’t seen one in a very long time. However, I use to see one on occasion and wondered about their purpose. Now I know, and thanks Laurie. I love it. A great idea. Maybe one day I will get one.
Ann — Like you, I love learning new things 🙂
I love the story behind these gazing balls… you should check out Jeff Koons’ gazing balls, BTW… he introduces them in classic artworks, such as sculptures and paintings. Quite an interesting twist. Sending love, dear Laurie 😘🤗🧡
Aquileana — Ohhhh, thank you so much for telling me about Jeff Koons. I’ll check it out! 🙂
Thanks for the history. I have always enjoyed my my gazing balls.
Sheila — I’m glad you enjoyed reading a bit about their history. And glad to know that you enjoy them in your own garden 🙂
Thank you for the history lesson on Gazing Balls! Interesting facts and myths…
I recently purchase a small quartz crystal ball for gazing and energy work… I see who and what I can conjure !
Jeff — I’ve always been fond of clear quartz crystals. I wear Herkimer Diamond (double-terminated quartz crystal) earrings 🙂
Nice! I knew you were a crystal person!!!
I have one in the front garden, blue, just like in your photo. I also have two inside, a golden one and a silver one 🙂
CourseOfMirrors — You’ve got them everywhere. Oh, how fun! 🙂
Laurie, thank you for those fascinating facts! I had no idea about them being used for spy-globes but I can seeing it as a semi-practical application in times gone by, they had no technology to speak of and you never know who’s lurking around the corners at the ol’ Castle. I can certainly see the Fairies clustering around the gazing ball as they are silly, vain little things but love to party all night and want to look their best. Gnomes could care less, fool’s gold. It’s early to bed, early to rise for these somber guys. Elves, of course, are simply above it all, having never given gazing globes a passing thought. Their thoughts are more ethereal than ours and deal more in ambience than material objects. I love lawn art and it’s only with great restraint that I don’t have a fleet of pink flamingos, flocks of painted cement chickens and ducks and God only knows what else. The one you show is beautiful, serene colors and lovely placement and I would love to have one just like it!
Sandi — I thorougly loved reading your take on the wee folk! You need to write children’s books! 🙂
Sandi, Good to hear from you ! I have seen your comments a few times here on Laurie’s pages! What an imaginative description of the Ol’ Castle grounds and faerie play… made me smile!
Yo, Jeff! Yes, I am alive, just not as active online anymore. It’s good to see your face!
It’s possible that I’ve seen these, but I’ve never NOTICED them. I’ll be on the lookout now. I have a perfect place in my garden for one.
Arlene — Now that you’re aware of them, you’ll see them EVERYwhere 🙂
I haven’t seen them no but they are rather beautiful aren’t they . It’s an education following your blog Laurie…thank you 😊
Cherryx
Cherry — Oh, how odd you haven’t seen them. They originated on your side of the pond. I’m glad you saw them here first. Now, I bet you’ll see them everywhere 🙂
Cool! I didn’t know this. I love to learn and they are beautiful!
Kendall — Oh, I’m so glad you learned something new. Thank you for letting me know.
Welcome and thank you!