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Peony Table Lamp

Creator: Tiffany Studios
Offered by: Lillian Nassau LLC

Description
Peony Table Lamp
Tiffany Studios
circa 1906

This original Tiffany Lamp showcases the exceptional glass produced by Tiffany Studios, artfully integrating a diverse selection exceptional Tiffany Glass including rare “foliage” or “confetti” and rich opalescent glass.

Clara Driscoll, the head of Tiffany’s Women’s Glass Cutting Department and the artist who conceived of several of the most iconic Tiffany lamps, initially designed the first Peony shades around the turn of the 20th century under Louis Comfort Tiffany’s direction. The motif proved popular and was adapted into a variety of different sizes and shapes ranging from 18 to 28 inches in diameter. The cartoon for the 22-inch diameter model is in the permanent collection of the New-York Historical Society (2007.4.8).

The peonies in this 18-inch diameter example of the shade are articulated in opalescent Tiffany glass ranging from deeply saturated ruby red through to softer variegated shades of pink. These wide blossoms, with vibrant yellow centers, are interspersed with green leaves and stems and the occasional unfurling bud near the lower edge of the shade, where the buds and blossoms periodically overlap a series of three horizontal border rows in mottled green glass. The dramatic background is formed by Tiffany’s “foliage” glass. Near the crown of the shade, the background glass is a deep amber tone with caramel inclusions scattered throughout; the glass transitions to a paler gold tone near the lower edge with paler inclusions near the lower edge, accented by a scattering of transparent “foliage” glass with pink, green and gold inclusions.

The shade rests on a Library Standard Table Base in rich brown patina, the cushion-style base of this example decorated with the company’s chased “pineapple” motif, the thin stem with applied coiled wirework.

Both the shade and base of this authentic Tiffany lamp are signed.

Height: 25 ½ inches (64.8 cm)
Diameter: 18 inches (45.7 cm)

References:  
Martin Eidelberg, Alice Cooney Frelinghuysen, Nancy McClelland and Lars Rachen, “The Lamps of Louis Comfort Tiffany,” New York, 2005, pg. 20-21
Margaret K. Hofer and Rebecca D. Klassen, “The Lamps of Tiffany Studios: Nature Illuminated,” New York, 2016, pg. 107
Dr. Egon Neustadt, “The Lamps of Tiffany,” New York, 1970, pg. 140

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Period:	1900-1919
Creation Date:	1906
Styles / Movements:	Modern, Art Nouveau
Incollect Reference #:	804915

Dimensions

H.	25.5 in;	Diam.	18 in;
H.	64.77 cm;	Diam.	45.72 cm;

Message from Seller:

Lillian Nassau LLC, established in 1945, specializes in the extraordinary work of Tiffany Studios and Louis Comfort Tiffany, including lamps, glass, pottery, and metalwork. With over seventy-five years of expertise, they also offer 19th and 20th-century Decorative Art, Design, and Sculpture—contact them today at 212.759.6062 or via email at info@lilliannassau.com.