This hanging ball is a beautiful replica of a sixteenth century Iznik/ 18th century Kutayah hanging ball.  The peak production of Iznik ceramics was in the sixteenth century, at the peak of Ottoman Turkey's imperial power and artistic patronage. The patterns represent vine scrolls, palmettes and flowers including tulips, roses, carnations, and hyacinths.
 
The purpose of these balls is unclear, although it's possible that they represent the orb of heaven. They hung in mosques from mosque lamps and separately from ceilings as decoration.  Spherical and egg shaped glass, metal or pottery ornaments were hung in both Muslim and Christian buildings.
 
Susan Deliss hangs these hightly decorative balls in her home both from the ceiling and on hooks on walls. She also hangs them on her Christmas tree.  Susan loves the idea that they are part of a centuries old tradition of handcraft.
 
They make beautiful and unusual gifts.