Tiffany Studios

with a rare "Indian Hookah" base

George Perkins, New York
Estate of Evelyn Scott
Bonhams New York, December 17, 2008, lot 4094

Overall very good condition. When viewed in person the lamp displays with great visual presence and intricate detailing. The shade with approximately 6 cracks to the glass tiles dispersed throughout. The shade with light surface soiling throughout concentrated to the adjacent contours to the shade leading. All of the chipped green “Turtle-Back” glass inset above the lower shade border appears original and undisturbed. The rare “Indian Hookah” base is in very good condition, with occasional surface scratches, abrasions, and light surface soiling and oxidation to the recessed contours. The penultimate register of the foot with a small casting flaw, not visually detractive. All sockets and paddle switches appear original and undisturbed. With an elaborately decorated period finial which is in very good condition with some scattered minor surface scratches and abrasions, including a few scratches around the outermost edge of the knop. A particularly strong example of this rare lamp model displaying a superb color palette and an artistic and complementary base pairing.
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.

The rare “Gentian” table lamp model, presented here with an intricate “Indian Hookah” base, incorporates many distinguished features of Tiffany’s masterful production techniques and naturalistic aesthetic.  In this shade and base pairing, Tiffany shows his interest in representing imagery from the East.  The delicate blue gentian blossom is indigenous to temperate climates and is common especially in Asia. The reticulated design of the base has a complex and a highly crafted quality, evoking an Indian smoking pipe both in form and decoration.

By conventionalizing the motifs of both the shade and base, Tiffany employs an aesthetic vocabulary that creates visual harmony between the lamp’s elements.  The shade in particular strikes an exquisite balance between hard and soft, geometry and naturalism, with its gently unfurling petals articulated in a strict, concise mosaic.  The Turtle-Back border, comprised by leftover pieces from the studio’s laborious Turtle-Back chipping process, adds further visual interest.  This border, as well as the incredibly complex cast-bronze base, demonstrates the unparalleled skill of Tiffany’s craftsmen.