Lot 239
  • 239

Tiffany Studios

Estimate
120,000 - 180,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Tiffany Studios
  • A Rare "Snowball" Table Lamp
  • shade impressed TIFFANY STUDIOS/NEW YORK and 1571-12
    telescopic base impressed 8098/TIFFANY STUDIOS/NEW YORK
  • favrile glass and patinated bronze
  • with a "Claw Feet" base

Provenance

Acquired from Tiffany Studios by Elmer Mount, Jersey City, NJ, circa 1910
Pauline Ward Mount, Jersey City, NJ
Thence by descent to the present owners

Literature

Martin Eidelberg, Alice Cooney Frelinghuysen, Nancy A. McClelland and Lars Rachen, The Lamps of Louis Comfort Tiffany, New York, 2005, pp. 102-103

Condition

Overall in very good condition. This lamp is being consigned by the family of the original owner and by all accounts the shade, base and finial have originated together since the period. The shade with approximately 9 cracks to the glass tiles dispersed throughout, which is a relatively low number in proportion to the vast number of glass tiles which were required to execute this complex shade. All of these hairlines appear stable. The shade leading is beautifully rendered with very refined lines and displays a particularly rich russet brown and green patina. The shade is articulated in an extraordinary range of glass. The base is in very good condition, displaying a particularly rich and deep russet brown and green patina.. The bronze surfaces with some occasional surface scratches, gentle rubbing concentrated to the high points of the design, and light surface soiling to the recessed contours consistent with age and gentle handling. All of the sockets and paddle switches appear original and undisturbed. The original finial with a sensitive restoration to re-affix the knop. A rare shade and base pairing displaying elegant proportions and further heightening the naturalistic portrayal of the subject. When viewing this lamp firsthand, the colors are richer and more nuanced than seen in the catalogue illustrations. The catalogue photography does not fully capture the full range of colors seen in the viburnum passages or the pictorial depth of the shade. -----
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.

Catalogue Note

The “Snowball” model, named for the round, snow-white blossoms of the viburnum plant, is an exquisite example of Tiffany’s irregular shade border series.  Production of this model was discontinued in 1910, around the same year Elmer Mount—a budding Tiffany collector—acquired the present lot directly from the firm.  Elmer’s passion for Tiffany descended along with his collection through his family to the present owner.  Works from his collection have been offered at Sotheby’s New York over the years, including a magnificent early Tiffany leaded glass and Turtle-Back tile chandelier (see Sotheby’s New York, December 6-7, 1996, lot 488).  The present example effectively captures the beauty and sculptural nature of the snowball blossoms amidst a rich cerulean blue sky, the lushness of the snowballs articulated with a vigorous mottled glass selection.  See sothebys.com for a period photograph showing the present lot in situ in the Mount residence, circa 1930.