Tiffany Studios

with a rare "Peacock" base

Private Massachusetts Family, circa 1910
Thence by descent
Skinner, Bolton, Boston, June 27, 2009, lot 75

William Feldstein, Jr., and Alastair Duncan, The Lamps of Tiffany Studios, New York, 1983, pp. 130-131 (for the base model)
Alastair Duncan, Louis C. Tiffany: The Garden Museum Collection, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2004, p. 308 (for the base model)
Martin Eidelberg, Nina Gray and Margaret K. Hofer, A New Light on Tiffany:  Clara Driscoll and the Tiffany Girls, London, 2007, p. 7 (for the base model)

Overall very good condition. This lamp has historic provenance going back to the period and by all accounts the shade, base, finial and hardware have all originated together since the period. The shade with approximately 8 cracks to the glass tiles dispersed throughout, all stable. With light surface soiling concentrated to the contours adjacent to the shade leading. The rare Peacock base is in very good condition and presents with a more nuanced brown patina compared to the catalogue illustration. The hand-hammered peacock motif on the body of the base, the casting of the tendrils and foot and chased details are masterfully executed. The bronze surfaces with scattered very minor surface scratches, abrasions, minor surface soiling and some minor oxidation. The inset favrile glass tiles on the base all appear original and undisturbed. The socket cluster stem with more concentrated oxidation and a small area of patina loss at the base of the stem. All sockets appear original and undisturbed. With a period heat cap in very good condition with some scattered shallow brusies. A very elegant and highly complementary shade and base pairing. When viewed in person the shade presents with strong, vivid coloration and a nuanced palette. The peony blossoms are articulated in a range of rich magentas and soft pinks juxtaposed against a saturated ground of yellow and green hues.
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.