Tiffany Studios

Macklowe Gallery, New York
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Paul E. Doros, The Tiffany Collection of the Chrysler Museum at Norfolk, Norfolk, 1978, p. 70 (for a related example)
Alastair Duncan, Louis C. Tiffany: The Garden Museum Collection, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2004, p. 250 (for a related example)
Martin Eidelberg, Tiffany Favrile Glass and the Quest of Beauty, New York, 2007, p. 29 (for a related example)

Overall very good condition. The favrile glass surface with scattered extremely fine surface scratches consistent with age and gentle handling. The glass with scattered air bubbles and surface irregularities throughout, inherent in the making and intentional to promote the naturalism of the design. One drip with a minute fleck which could possibly be an inherent burst air bubble. The rim with some linear, horizontal irregularities encircling the circumference, inherent in the making and visible in the catalogue illustration, not visually detractive. The vase presents with a rich ground of indigo and navy with bold irregular gold drips encircling the vase exterior. The exterior is brilliantly iridized displaying a wide range of jewel-tone hues. A highly artistic and sculptural example of this complex technique by Tiffany Studios.
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.

Legend tells us that the “Lava” glass technique was inspired by Louis C. Tiffany’s travels in Italy, where it is said he witnessed the volcanic eruption of Mount Etna.  Though apocryphal, the story is certainly conceivable.  Nature was Tiffany’s greatest muse, and he strove not just to interpret its many forms, but also to innovate new ways of manifesting those interpretations in bronze, leaded glass, and blown glass.  The Lava technique, which was the product of years of experimentation, fulfilled both of these goals.  Tiffany had already perfected the art of glass-blowing and decoration, but capturing the rough, irregular texture of flowing and cooling lava posed a distinct challenge even to his most talented craftsmen.  Due to the complexity of the production process, pieces from the Lava series were only executed from 1906 to 1907 and are therefore exceptionally rare.  The present vase possesses all the most desirable qualities for an example from this series: full, luscious gold lava drips; an irregular, naturalistic aperture; and rich, luminous iridescence.