Tiffany Studios

designed by Clara Driscoll
"Wisteria" lamp (shade and base):  model no. 342

Warner LeRoy, New York
Macklowe Gallery, New York

Overall in very good condition. The shade with approximately 35 cracks to the glass throughout. There are several scattered small areas on the shade where the leading appears to have been touched up in the past, primarily concentrated along the bottom irregular border. Being the most vulnerable part of the shade, these areas presumably experienced weakness or brittleness to the leading, and required restoration for stabilization. This is very common with irregular border lamps such as the Wisteria, as they lack a bottom ring which serves to stabilize the shade. These areas of restoration fluoresce when examined under black light. There is no evidence of any replaced glass to the shade. The bronze base with a few light surface scratches, a few small surface dings, and light rubbing to the patina consistent with age and gentle use. There are a few areas of rubbing to the patina on the top of the cast bronze armature. The base switch appears to be original, with rubbing to the circular knobs from use. All of the sockets appear to be original. An exquisite example of this iconic model, displaying a beautiful selection and composition of glass, which imparts the shade with a great sense of lyrical movement. The irregular panicles are accented in shades of deeply saturated cobalt, as well as clear glass streaked with cobalt and violet, which distinguishes this lamp as a particularly strong and beautiful example.
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.

The Wisteria shade was designed as an electric lamp and the shade and base were sold together as a unit.  Tiffany's Trumpet Creeper (lot 205), Grape and Apple Blossom lamps, all designed shortly thereafter, share the same bronze armature and overall form and were built on the same wooden mold.  Comparatively, the Wisteria displays a more complex composition, comprised of nearly 2,000 pieces of glass that had to be individually selected and cut.  Consequently, each Wisteria lamp possesses its own distinct color variations.  This particular example has an exquisite range of deep cobalt blue glass combined with subtle shades of a more purplish blue, lavender and pink.  The panicles are selectively accented with clear glass streaked with cobalt, violet and green, and the trailing leaves are rendered in shades of green and yellow green.  The variety of mottled, striated, streaky, and rippled glass imparts a sense of visual depth and dimensionality to the shade.  The overall effect achieved by the glass selection is lyrical and full of movement, capturing the lushness of the Wisteria vine in bloom.  The use of the pierced cast bronze armature was particularly innovative, as it not only replicated the trailing vines but also allowed heat from the electric light bulbs to escape.   

In 1906, the price for a Wisteria was $400.00, making it one of the more expensive lamps in Tiffany's line.  As revered as this luxury item was in the period, the Wisteria lamp is now widely recognized as an icon of American design and one of Tiffany Studios' most accomplished masterworks in leaded glass.