The ball-flower (also written ballflower) is an architectural ornament in the form of a ball inserted in the cup of a flower. It came into use in the latter part of the 13th century in England and became one of the chief ornaments of the 14th century, [1] in the period known as Decorated Gothic. [2]
Ball-flowers were generally placed in rows at equal distances in the hollow of a moulding, frequently by the sides of mullions. [1] Examples are found in many churches of the period including Gloucester Cathedral; St Mary's Church, Bloxham; St. Michael's Church, Swaton ( c. 1300); [3] and Tewkesbury Abbey ( c. 1330). [4] The presence of ball-flowers on the west part of Salisbury Cathedral has helped date this facade to the 14th century. [5]