Gold, Carved Jadeite, Seed Pearl and Enamel Pendant-Necklace, Tiffany & Co., Louis Comfort Tiffany, Early 1920's

The carved jadeite pendant in high relief depicting a bird perched amidst flowering lotus, suspended from a silk cord intersected by enamelled gold bats, the cord gathered by a enamelled gold symbol of 'double happiness', all flanked by small seed pearl clusters, length 24½ inches, signed Tiffany & Co.

The jade pendant is nicely carved, with noticeable color mottling and measures 56.8 x 30.6 x 5.9 mm. Noticeable losses to the enamel on the bat shaped links, but the Double Happiness symbol shows only minor damage to the enamel. The pearls are creamy silver in color, with good luster. They have not been tested for natural origin. The silk cord is faded and slightly frayed in a couple of areas. However, it is in good condition overall. Signed Tiffany & Co on clasp and scratch numbered 7662 on the rim of the Double Happiness character.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Accompanied by GIA report no. 2135802146 stating natural jadeite jade, natural color, no indications of impregnation.

Please note the pearls have not been tested for natural origin.

Louis Comfort Tiffany was the consummate artist, creating works of art that have become icons of the time in which they were made.  His early career as a painter provided him with the foundation for his later endeavors in interior design and the decorative arts.  Tiffany is known for his stained glass windows, leaded glass lamps and favrile glass vessels but it was not until after the turn of the century that he turned his attention to jewelry design, establishing a special department at Tiffany Furnaces in 1902.  Five years later, this division became part of Tiffany & Co.  From then until the workshop closed in 1933, all of Louis Comfort Tiffany's jewelry was stamped with the Tiffany & Co. mark.

Although the majority of Louis Comfort Tiffany's jewelry is characterized by color and naturalistic decorative elements, this necklace is a rare example of his interest in the Far East. The design of a cord with seed pearl clusters mirrors necklaces from the Qing dynasty and the colors are symbolic; blue for immortality and green for health, prosperity and happiness.

The pendant necklace is created with an apple green jadeite pendant, carved with lotus blossoms, suspended from a braided cord and seed pearls connected to an enameled Chinese double happiness character. Four enameled winged bats are spaced on the cord with another on the clasp; the mammal symbolizing good luck, prosperity and happiness. Although the bat and the lotus on this necklace are representational of Chinese imagery, they are also part of Louis Comfort Tiffany's repertoire and are among the rarest examples of his leaded glass lamps. The Lotus lamp is one of the most elaborate and colorful lamps made by Tiffany Studios while the Bat lamp is a stunning example of transposing the macabre into a striking object of art. For examples of these two lamps, see Martin Eidelberg, et. al., The Lamps of Louis Comfort Tiffany.

This pendant necklace dates to the early 1920s, a time period when Tiffany created some of his finest jewelry. It bears similarities to a drawing of a jadeite pendant in a scrapbook of jewelry designed by Meta Overbeck that is in the collection of the Charles Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park, Florida. Overbeck was in charge of the jewelry department from 1914 to 1933.

Louis Comfort Tiffany was constantly looking for new and exciting paths to follow, ones that others had not dared to pursue. It is for this reason that his jewelry is sought after by astute collectors and museums. Tiffany's jewelry is in the collection of nine museums in this country. 

Janet Zapata

Author: The Jewelry and Enamels of Louis Comfort Tiffany