Tiffany Studios

Simon Lieberman, New York

Acquired from the above by the present owners, 1978

Alastair Duncan, Tiffany Lamps and Metalware, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2019, p. 100, no. 414

The original lighting fixtures produced by the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company in the early to mid-1890s featured shades of blown Favrile glass. Usually of patterned mold-blown opalescent white glass, they were well-suited for kerosene, gas or electric lamps. The designs were widely praised by contemporary critics for their artistry as well as their durability: “The Tiffany glass shades are dreams of iridescent colors. On account of the price, they often remain dreams, too. Fortunately, they are heavy enough to stand rather rough handling and their numerous colors blend beautifully with any room.”

Tiffany’s companies continued to create blown glass shades throughout their history and the table lamp presented here is one of many examples why the firms’ lamps received so much critical acclaim. The patinated bronze base, finely cast in a pattern reminiscent of overlapping artichoke leaves, supports twin arched arms. A patinated bronze counter-balance, set with a central band of iridescent gold turtle-back tiles, hangs from the shorter of the two. A beautiful blue Favrile glass “Damascene” shade, replete with bands of silvery-iridescent waves, is mounted on the longer arm. The shade is additionally enhanced with a small engraved flying insect. Probably incorporated to disguise a broken air bubble, the feature is another subtle indication of the company’s desire to produce unique works regardless of the time or expense.

– PAUL DOROS