Tiffany Studios

Lillian Nassau, New York, 1969

Jeweler's Circular, October 22, 1902, vol. 45,  p. 49, no. 12 (for a period photograph showing this early variant of the model, issued by Tiffany Studios in 1902 in conjunction with the Turin Exhibition)

Overall in very good condition. The “Lily” shades are in very good condition and are a well-assembled set displaying complementary form and coloration. The shades are beautifully iridized and when viewed with reflected light display strong luminous color. One “lily” shade with a small minor edge chip to the outer top aperture rim (1/4 x 1/8 inch). A few shades with minute pin-head size flecks to the top aperture rims, and with some light rubbing to the interior top apertures, all exceedingly minor and only visible under very close inspection when the shade are not installed. Some of the shades with small and minute paint specks. The patinated bronze base displays a particularly rich russet brown patina. The bronze surfaces with minor surface wear, some gentle rubbing to the patina on the high points of the design, and surface soiling to the recessed contours, all consistent with age and gentle use. A few of the bronze stems with some minor irregular bending. One screw is missing to the base plate on the underside. The base plate on the underside of the lamp, which shows a complementary patina to the base, is impressed with the model number 381, which identifies the firm’s 10-light Lily model. It is possibly that this period base plate was mis-matched at the factory, or was replaced at a later date. All of the porcelain sockets appear original and undisturbed. This lamp represents the earliest variant of the firm’s Eighteen-Light “Lily” base design, which would not have been originally fitted with an integral base switch. As such, the small round patinated base switch was added at a later point in the lamp’s history, though it appears quite old. This base switch is fully functional. An exceedingly rare example of this early design, displaying a beautiful set of Lily shades and a particularly rich patina to the base.
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.

This eighteen-light Lily table lamp is a particularly early example of the model. The base is distinguished by its thin bronze stems, handmade coils and the absence of an interior canister that was later added to incorporate the switch mechanism. The model was exhibited at the Esposizione d’Arte Decorativa Moderna in Turin in 1902 and was awarded a Grand Prix.