Table lamp

Tiffany Studios

ca. 1895–98 · Leaded Favrile glass and patinated bronze · The American Wing

This lamp is among the earliest produced by Tiffany studios, made before Tiffany embarked on the predominantly floral leaded-glass lampshades for which the firm is known. Especially unusual is the use of blown Favrile glass for the oil font, as he had only begun experimenting with blown glass a few years earlier. Typical of his inventiveness, the lamp combines materials and exotic patterns (the bronze collar includes an Islamic-inspired design) to produce an object of exquisite richness. The paisley-shape glaze jewels that ornament the scroll feet are elements found in the decorative program Tiffany executed for Louisine and Henry O. Havemeyer’s house in the early 1890s.

Artist

Tiffany Studios

Date

ca. 1895–98

Medium

Leaded Favrile glass and patinated bronze

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Chilton Jr., 2011