Tiffany Studios

with a rare blown-glass "Pond Lily" base

Christie’s New York, December 8, 2009, lot 16

Dr. Egon Neustadt, The Lamps of Tiffany, New York, 1970, p. 101 (for the base model)
Alastair Duncan, Tiffany at Auction, New York, 1981, p. 256, no. 781 (for the base model)
Alastair Duncan, Martin Eidelberg and Neil Harris, Masterworks of Louis Comfort Tiffany, London, 1989, p. 80 (for the base model)
Alastair Duncan, Tiffany Lamps and Metalware, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2007, p. 39, no. 130 (for the base model)

Overall very good condition. When viewed in person the shade displays with vibrant Kelly and apple green tones with emerald accents and with icy transparent glass. The shade with approximately 4 cracks to the glass tiles dispersed throughout. The shade with some light surface soiling throughout concentrated to the contours adjacent to the leadlines. The shade displays a wonderful, subtle color gradient from bright apple and Kelly green to a register of icy, translucent tiles. The “Pond Lily” base is in excellent condition and offers a very nice naturalistic counterpoint to the geometric shade. The blown glass body is in very good condition and displays with a range of green hues from apple to fern green with blue-green striations along the ribs. The glass with scattered light surface scratches and some occasional minor surface irregularities, not visually detractive. The glass with a small area just below the widest point of the blown glass base measuring approximately 1 x 2 inches of more concentrated surface scratches, only visible upon close inspection. The bronze surfaces present with a rich brown patina with scattered minor surface scratches and abrasions consistent with age and gentle handling. The bronze surfaces with some light surface soiling and minor traces of oxidation to the recessed areas of the design. All sockets and paddle switches appear original and undisturbed. An elegantly proportioned lamp that balances geometry with naturalism.
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.