An American 'Aesthetic' silver vase, Tiffany & Co., New York, circa 1873/74

on four splayed square supports, the pearl-finished tapering square body engraved in the manner of Japanese prints with a fan-wielding man with a carp under his arm, storks, bamboos and cherry blossom within decorative die-rolled borders, struck: 'Tiffany & Co.' 'Quality / 925-1000' and stamped: '2973' over '2465 / union-square'

Clear marks to underside. Engraving crisp. Nice colour. Good condition.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This vase is from among Tiffany’s relatively rare ‘first phase’ of silver objects made in the ‘Japanese’ or ‘Aesthetic ‘ style. According to Charles H. Carpenter Jr. and his wife, Mary Grace Carpenter (Tiffany Silver, New York, 1978, pp. 190-191), the company’s initial foray into the field of Far Eastern designs was Edward C. Moore’s ‘ Japanese’ flatware pattern, patented on 18 April 1871. (See also William P. Hood Jr., et al, Tiffany Silver Flatware, 1845-1905, Woodbridge, 1999, p. 174) Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter illustrate a creamer and sugar basin in this style, similarly engraved to the present vase with figures from Japanese folklore and other local motifs and similar applied die-rolled borders.