TIFFANY STUDIOS | An Important “Dragonfly” Floor Lamp

with a rare "Ball" base and finial

Overall very good condition. When viewed firsthand, the shade displays an intense red and yellow palette which is more luminous and widely variegated than in the printed catalogue illustration. The background glass transitions from crimson, garnet red, and coral to warm yellow and ochre toward the bottom of the shade. This fiery background presents vibrant contrast to the rich emerald dragonflies with seafoam green and mauve wings. The shade with approximately 25 hairline cracks dispersed throughout which have been recently stabilized by a professional glass conservator. (This is a relatively low number in proportion to the vast number of glass tiles which were required to execute this large and complex shade.) The shade with some light surface soiling to the adjacent contours of the shade leading and beneath the dragonfly wing overlays. The etched bronze overlay on the wings is in very good condition with one very small and minor loss to the bronze at the point where the wing overlays join on the body of the dragonfly, stable. Each of the cabochons is plated on the interior with rich ultramarine glass to enhance the coloration and dimensionality of the jewels. As is commonly seen with plated glass, there is some minor soiling between the plated layers. The shade is paired with an extremely rare "Ball" floor base, which is in very good condition. The base displays a rich brown patina with scattered minor surface scratches, abrasions, and light surface soiling consistent with age and gentle use. The top of the foot with some light wear. The favrile glass balls are beautifully iridized and display a range of orange, blue and lavender tones. Two balls appear to have been replaced with complementary period favrile glass balls. One ball with a tight hairline crack which appears stable. All of the sockets and paddle switches appear original and undisturbed. With a period "Ball" finial in very good condition. The ball with some very light wear and surface scratches. The finial with some light wear and minor oxidation. A rare and highly artistic floor lamp with exceptional coloration and an outstanding shade and base pairing that transcends the model. When viewed in person, this lamp presents with an approachable and highly refined scale, and the "Ball" floor base and finial and luminous cabochons in the shade impart the lamp with an elegant, jewel-like sensibility.
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.