TIFFANY STUDIOS | A Rare Mosaic Inkstand

with a clear glass liner

Private Collection, Wisconsin
Sotheby's New York, March 10, 2005, lot 122

Robert Koch, Louis C Tiffany's Glass, Bronzes, Lamps: A Complete Collector's Guide, New York, 1989, p. 90
Robert Koch, Louis C. Tiffany: The Collected Works of Robert Koch, Atglen, PA, 2001, p. 214
John Loring, Louis Comfort Tiffany at Tiffany & Co., New York, 2002, p. 191
Alastair Duncan, Louis C. Tiffany: The Garden Museum Collection, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2004, pp. 366 and 368
Alastair Duncan, Tiffany Lamps and Metalware, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2007, pp. 428, no. 1701 and 429, no. 1704

Overall very good condition. The mosaic glass presents with luminous iridescence and a superb color gradation from warm yellows, oranges and ambers at the top to deep blues and aquas at the bottom. All of the mosaic glass tiles appear original and undisturbed, with some occasional very small and minor clamshell chips and surface flecks, some of which is possibly inherent in the natural pitting of the glass, all consistent with age and gentle handling. The bronze surfaces with scattered minor surface scratches, abrasions, and occasional minor ink stains consistent with age and use. The lid with some wear and some minor bruises near the hinge. The clear glass liner is a later replacement and is glued into the metal liner. A masterful example from Tiffany’s mosaic inkstand series executed with a brilliant, highly saturated glass selection.
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.