Tiffany Studios

Southern Florida Estate
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Janet Zapata, The Jewelry and Enamels of Louis Comfort Tiffany, New York, 1993, pp. 53 and 61 (for related examples)
Alastair Duncan, Louis C. Tiffany:  The Garden Museum Collection, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2004, pp. 402 and 406-408 (for related examples)

Overall in very good original condition. There is no evidence of any prior restoration to the box or cover. There is a small area with scattered enamel losses (approximately ¾ x ¼ inch) to the left portion of the mussel shell on the exterior side of the box. The enamel loss in this area is not visibly discernible, nor does it detract from the decoration or visual impact of the box, and is most apparent to touch (the surface is slightly rough in this area). There is a small surface abrasion to the mid-section of the box (¼ inch diameter) which shows no enamel loss but is slightly rough to the touch. The top rim of the box with gentle rubbing. The underside of the box with gentle rubbing and some light surface scratches, and with a few very tiny adjacent surface abrasions to the bottom base. The cover with some light surface abrasions to the outer rim and with a few minute associated enamel losses. The interior lip on the underside of the cover is slightly irregular (perhaps by design) but fits comfortably and with ease inside the box in most positions. The interior of the box and cover are fully enameled in an ochre-green. A truly precious object with exquisite sculptural relief decoration and exceptional enamel coloration.
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.

After Louis Comfort Tiffany had experimented with creating open vessels with naturalistic motifs in copper, he turned to making small boxes with lids.  The surface of the box and lid provided ample space for enameled naturalistic scenes such as on this example where the lid and body were shaped and then repoussé-chased with undersea life.  Most of Tiffany’s small boxes are decorated with plants and flowers.  This box with marine imagery is a rare example.  Instead of fish, Tiffany has chosen sea life that most artists would see as less appealing.  Tendrils of kelp in reddish and yellow tones are shown as if drifting in the water.  A mussel shell is depicted in two views:  one from its exterior on the side of the box is sculpted in convex relief, while its counterpart appears to float on the lid, its iridescent interior exposed in concave relief.  The underwater theme is completed with the placement of a starfish on the lid.
-Janet Zapata
Author, The Jewelry and Enamels of Louis Comfort Tiffany