Tiffany Studios
Monumental "Millefiore" Vase
Authenticity guarantee
What is guaranteed?
Tiffany Studios
Monumental "Millefiore" Vase
circa 1902
Favrile glass
engraved Louis C. Tiffany R4021
14¼ inches (36.8 cm) high
8½ inches (21.6 cm) diameter
Overall in very good condition. When viewed firsthand, the vase displays stunning sculptural presence. The vase is executed in a cool seafoam green color and is richly decorated with strongly iridized silver leaves and graphic millefiore flowers. The glass is opaque and presents with occasional minor air bubbles, particulate inclusions and surface irregularities, including some air bubbles which are open to the surface, which are inherent in the making and not visually distracting. The glass surfaces throughout with scattered, very fine and light surface scratches consistent with age and gentle handling. The underside of the vase is applied with a Doros Collection accession number. The pontil with a small crack and a loss to the center which is common, inherent to production and only visible when the vase is turned over. A gorgeous, robust work with rich decoration and impressive stature.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colors and shades which are different to the lot's actual color and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation. The condition report is a statement of opinion only. For that reason, the condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS ONLINE CONDITION REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE/BUSINESS APPLICABLE TO THE RESPECTIVE SALE.
Reaching New Heights –
Monumental Vases
Tiffany Studios did not specifically market large, or what have come to be called Monumental, blown Favrile glass vases. They did, however, want to offer pieces that could compete in scale and visual power with any of the fine arts, including sculptures. These large Favrile vases generally rely upon a relatively conventional form and shape, but the decorations on many of them are incredible. Lot 205, its navy body with a silvery iridescence, is enhanced with twin bands of large iridescent peaked arches intersected by bands of ochre and yellow waves that in turn enclose thin brick-red horizontal lines. The other monumental vase offered (lot 229) is equally exceptional. It is one of about ten made in the series, all with an “R” prefix letter. This example should rightfully be considered the finest of the group, as Tiffany Studios selected it for their award-winning exhibition at the 1902 Prima Esposizione Internazionale d’Arte Decorativa Moderna in Turin, Italy. The opaque dark mint-green body is wonderfully enhanced with large iridescent gold and silver leaves and tangled vines. Interspersed among the foliage are finely crafted creamy white millefiori flowers with gold centers. The vase is to be admired both for its scale as well as its incredible artistry.
- PD