Tiffany Studios

with a telescopic base

Private Collection, Indiana, acquired directly from Tiffany Studios, circa 1910
Private Collection, New Orleans, 1979
Charles Maurer, Cleveland, OH
Acquired from the above by the present owners, 1984

William Feldstein, Jr. and Alastair Duncan, The Lamps of Tiffany Studios, New York, 1983, pp. 158-159
Martin Eidelberg, Alice Cooney Frelinghuysen, Nancy A. McClelland and Lars Rachen, The Lamps of Louis Comfort Tiffany, New York, 2005, pp. 113-116
Martin Eidelberg, Nina Gray and Margaret K. Hofer, A New Light on Tiffany:  Clara Driscoll and the Tiffany Girls, London, 2007, p. 192

Overall in very good condition. Owing to this lamp's historic provenance going back to the period, as well as the harmonious gilt patina seen on the shade leading, base and heat cap, these elements all appear to have originated together since the period. The shade with approximately 25 cracks to the glass tiles dispersed throughout, most quite small and minor. This is a relatively low number given the vast number of individual glass tiles required to execute this large and complex shade design. All of these hairlines appear stable, and have recently been sensitively stabilized by a professional Tiffany conservator. The shade shows an elegant transition in the laburnum blossoms from cadmium yellow-orange to softer golden-yellow tones, complemented by richly saturated cobalt blue accents throughout the background passages. A variety of green and teal hues accented with orange articulate the leaf passages. The use of vigorous mottled glass in the leaves, blossoms and background passages heightens the visual interest and movement around the full shade circumference, imparting an impressionistic sensibility of dappled light on the blossoms and foliage. The rare reticulated gilt bronze base is in excellent condition, showing very minimal surface wear and minor traces of surface soiling to the recessed contours of the base design. All six sockets and paddle switches appear original and undisturbed. The period gilt heat cap displays a harmonious patina to the base, with light traces of surface reside to the upper finial. The underside of the feet with traces of old felt glides. A beautiful example of Tiffany's iconic Laburnum model, displaying a highly artistic and thoughtful glass selection. The sculptural reticulated base is highly complementary, displaying elegant proportions and further heightening the dynamic presence of the lamp. When viewing this lamp firsthand, the colors are more varied and nuanced than seen in the catalogue illustrations which do not capture the full radiance and luminosity of the glass.
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.