Tiffany Studios

Private Collection, Forest Hills, NY

Overall in very good condition. The shade with approximately 20 cracks to the glass tiles dispersed throughout. The patinated bronze beaded border is entirely stable around the circumference of the shade. With period sockets and paddle switches. The bronze hardware including the suspension rod, chains and ceiling cap are replacements accurately based on period Tiffany hardware. The chandelier presents beautifully with great visual presence, displaying an extraordinary, highly artistic glass selection. The glass selection is far more nuanced than seen in the catalogue illustration, which is slightly over saturated. The Trumpet Creeper blossoms are articulated with vigorously mottled glass in various tones of red-orange and orange, selectively streaked in hues of green and yellow. The background glass is highly unusual, comprised of semi-translucent and luminous green “Confetti” glass that imparts the shade with great visual interest and spatial depth. A beautiful example of this rare chandelier model.
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.
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.

As stated in the essay by Martin Eidelberg accompanying lot 331, the "Trumpet Creeper" table lamp, Tiffany loved flowering vines, for the color and form of the blossoms but also for their uninhibited growth patterns.  Flowering vines were particularly suited to irregular borders and hanging shades, and as Eidelberg points out, were commonly employed across the tops of many of the domestic windows that Tiffany created.  Trumpet Creepers are an orange-red tone, and in the present lot have been depicted within a highly saturated autumnal palette anchored by a border of blue tiles at the upper and lower registers.  The sculptural nature of the blossoms are effectively captured by the thoughtful selection of vigorously mottled glass, and the flowering vines are dramatically positioned against a striking backdrop of fractured "Confetti" glass which impacts the shade with great atmospheric depth.