Tiffany Studios

John W. Mecom, Jr., Houston, Texas
Sotheby’s New York, Highly Important Lamps from the Collection of John W. Mecom, Jr., Houston, Texas, April 22, 1995, lot 54
Macklowe Gallery, New York

Overall very good condition. The smaller, approachable scale of this chandelier and its dramatic and brilliant red "Turtle-Back" tiles make this an exceedingly rare and special example from Tiffany's Turtle-Back series. All of the Turtle-Back tiles appear original and undisturbed. The shade with approximately 4 cracks to the glass tiles dispersed throughout which have been sensitively stabilized by a professional Tiffany conservator. All of the Turtle-Back tiles are intensely iridized on the exterior, and when viewed with exterior reflected light display strong luminous color with a range of brilliant jewel-tone hues. When illuminated and viewed with remitted light from within, the chandelier emits a rich warm glow and is quite dramatic. The bronze surfaces of the upper shade collar with scattered minor surface scratches and abrasions. With four period chains and with a replacement socket cluster and rod. An extremely rare example with outstanding coloration and iridescence. This chandelier is equally dazzling when seen in both illuminated and non-illuminated lighting contexts. Please feel welcome to request additional photographs of this shade under reflected light conditions.
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.

This exceptional chandelier is distinguished by the striking coloration of its red “Turtle-Back” tiles—an exceedingly rare color scheme in Tiffany’s Turtle-Back series.  When seen with remitted light, these tiles appear a rich scarlet red.  When viewed with reflected light, the strong iridized surfaces of the Turtle-Back glass display a brilliant range of jewel-tone hues.  The elegance of the chandelier is further elevated by its smaller, refined scale rarely seen in this series.