Tiffany Studios

designed by Clara Driscoll

Lillian Nassau, New York, ca. late 1950s

Very good overall condition. The shade with approximately 40-44 cracks to the glass scattered throughout, which do not detract from the shade due to the complexity of the design and the sheer number of individual glass tiles utilized. The base and top bronze armature of the shade have an attractive and rich green-brown patina with a few light surface scratches and some light rubbing to the high points consistent with age and gentle use. The base switch (which appears original) is a bit stiff but functions properly. Some patina rubbing along the side of the base switch consistent with normal use. All of the sockets appear to be original. The lamp presents beautifully in person, and the colors are more subtle than in the catalogue illustrations. The greens articulating the leaves are far more vibrant. The background glass is not as yellow as it appears in the catalogue, and is more of an opalescent white which modulates to different tonalities of pink, green and violet. The glass selection is artistically rendered, showing great subtleties and nuances to the naturalistic color palette.
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.

The present example exhibits Tiffany Studios' faithful interpretation of the wisteria species.  As seen in nature, wisteria vines bloom in three principle colors:  creamy white, lavender and blue-purple.  The white is the most varied, as it displays a wide range of hues in its floral clusters as it matures, including yellow, pink, lavender and blue.  The wisteria lamp offered in the present lot is articulated in subtly mottled tones of light cobalt blue, pink, green, and white.  These delicate color shifts mimic the wisteria's appearance in the wild and display a close observance of nature.  The five-digit number impressed on the lamp's shade and base places its date early in the production cycle of the model, around 1902, prior to the firm's standardization of its numbering system in 1903-1904.