Tiffany Studios

with a rare "Cattail Pond Lily" base
together with the original oil wick and glass chimney

Sotheby's New York, March 13, 1998, lot 348
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Martin Eidelberg, Nina Gray and Margi Hofer, A New Light on Tiffany, Clara Driscoll and the Tiffany Girls, New York, 2007, p. 54 (for the identical shade and base pairing)
Martin Eidelberg, Alice Cooney Frelinghuysen, Nancy A. McClelland and Lars Rachen, The Lamps of Louis Comfort Tiffany, New York, 2005, pp. 163 (for the base model), 175 (for the identical shade and base pairing)

Overall in very good condition. The shade with approximately 8 cracks to the glass tiles dispersed throughout, all stable. The shade with light surface soiling to the glass and adjacent borders of the shade leading throughout. The rare and sculptural "Pond Lily" base is in remarkable original condition, displaying superb casting and a rich and deep green and russet brown patina. The bronze surfaces with some occasional surface scratches, rubbing to the high points of the design, a few small isolated traces of surface oxidation, and surface soiling to the recessed contours of the lily pads consistent with age and gentle handling. Two adjacent lily pads with small areas of patina losses. The upper shade ring and arms with expected wear and minor areas of fatigue to the patina. The upper cushion of the oil canister with surface residue and soiling. With replaced heat cap. When this lamp was offered in an earlier Sotheby's auction in 1998 the base had not been electrified and retained its original gas burner unit as well as a glass chimney (presumed original). Shortly thereafter the original oil canister was modified with an electric socket cluster by Paul Crist Studios. The conversion includes three period electric sockets and paddle switches with a modern riser above the original oil canister. The original gas burner unit and glass chimney will be presented with the lamp to the successful purchaser. An outstanding example, displaying one of the most sought-after Tiffany base designs and a particularly artistic glass selection. The Arrowhead shade displays rich aqua glass below the upper rim and an unusual display of Confetti and rippled glass in the mid register. The coloration of the glass is more subtle and nuanced than seen in the catalogue photography, which is slightly over saturated.
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.