Tiffany Studios

Arthur Saunders, gaffer at Tiffany Furnaces
Albert Christian Revi Collection
Sotheby's New York, November 17, 1984, lot 273

Overall in very good condition. With a few minute particulate inclusions inherent in the making. The complex decoration is richly layered and artistically asymmetrical when viewing the vase in the round, imparting the vase with strong dynamic movement and visual interest. The colors are slightly more saturated than seen in the catalogue illustration which captures the vase in raking reflected light. Each of the centers in the decorative fields show great complexity and a broad of range of hues, including rich tones of brown, ochre, green and brick red. An exciting example from this rare “Tesserae” paperweight series displaying outstanding decoration and color.
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.

Tesserae vases, named after the small, flat pieces of glass used to make mosaics, are a type of paperweight vase made relatively late in Tiffany Furnaces’ history.  The internal decorations for paperweight vases were generally created by laying out a design, comprised of small sections of glass, on a marver.  The gaffer would then roll the hot glass on his blowpipe over this, expand the vase, and then cover the piece with a layer of clear glass.  Tesserae vases were made very differently.  Thin millefiori slices, resting on small pins, were placed side by side within a mold.  The gaffer would then blow a bubble of clear glass inside the mold so the millefiori would be embedded on, and flush with, the exterior.  The mold was then opened, the bubble was slightly expanded and shaped and, once again, the piece would be covered with a layer of clear glass.  Tesserae vases are exceptionally rare because of the time-consuming nature of their production.

─Paul Doros