Tiffany Studios

Mr. and Mrs Ralph Linder Pope, Sr., Brookline, MA, ca. 1912
Thence by descent

Tiffany Studios, Character and Individuality in Decorations and Furnishings, New York, 1913, n.p. (for a period photograph of the Tiffany Studios mosaic workshop ca. 1913 showing a pedestal of this design at the extreme left)
Alastair Duncan, Louis C. Tiffany: The Garden Museum Collection, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2004, p. 189

Generally very good overall condition. This pedestal served as the stand for the Tiffany wisteria lamp being offered in this same sale (lot 70), and is being consigned by a descendant of the original owner. When comparing this pedestal to the example in the period photo, it appears this pedestal design would have originally incorporated a top of a slightly smaller diameter and thicker proportion to match the bottom base element. It would seem logical that the top would have been made of onyx to match the base. Taking into consideration the history of this pedestal, it is likely that the top two marble elements were replaced by either Tiffany Studios or the family in the period to accommodate the Tiffany wisteria lamp, which likely required a larger diameter top to the pedestal. The marble top of the pedestal shows some light surface scratches and abrasion marks as well as a slightly darkened ring mark as a result of the bronze base of the Wisteria lamp resting on the pedestal for so many years. The top has a fine crack that runs from one edge to the center. The samller of the top two marble elements has an appoximately two inch long repaired chip to the underside at the edge. It is not overtly apparent due to its position and the fact that the smaller marble element is covered by the larger marble top. The mosaic tiles are stable and in overall good order. One small edge tile lacking to the large central part of the shaft, but does not detract due to the complexity of the mosaic pattern. The pale green glass elements that act as separations on the pedestal have some surface dirt and minor edge chips as expected. A fine example of this exceedingly rare form.
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.

This pedestal served as the stand for the Tiffany Studios "Wisteria" lamp (lot 70) in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Linder Pope, Sr., at 16 Monmouth Street in Brookline, Massachusetts (see note for previous lot).  The pedestal is a rare example of the virtuosic production emblematic of the Tiffany Studios mosaic workshop.  This previously undocumented form can be seen at the extreme left of a photograph published in 1913 of the mosaic workshop (shown below).  Although it cannot be documented, it is tantalizing to note that the photograph was likely taken around the time when the Pope's home was being outfitted and shows a pedestal of this model being constructed a few feet from the finishing of a "Wisteria" shade (center of image).  To date no other example of this unusual pedestal form is known.