Tiffany Studios

José de Barros Poyares and Josephina Gomes Poyares, São Paulo, Brazil, circa 1915
Thence by descent to the present owner

This lamp is being consigned by descendants of the original owners and by all accounts the shade, base and finial all originated together. This is further supported by the fact that all of these elements, including the shade leading, have the same metallic gilt patina. The shade has an extensive number of cracks to the glass dispersed throughout, as well as a few concentrated areas of cracks around the lower register of the shade, many of which appear to have been stabilized in the past with clear glue which is now slightly discolored. There is what appears to be devitrification to a few small isolated areas of the glass, specifically to the deepest scarlet red glass which articulates one flower cluster, and a few additional smaller areas. (Devitrification is a breakdown of the glass surface over time and is inherent to particular glass compositions.) These isolated areas display a very fine white crazed surface to the glass, which is rather light/fine on the exterior of the shade, and visibly heavier on the interior side. When the lamp is illuminated, this crazing is not visible when light is remitted through the glass. With surface soiling to the shade throughout, and with rubbing to the shade leading throughout. The interior surfaces of the shade with a few small scattered traces of old tape adhesive. The patinated bronze base and finial show considerable wear, surface soiling and discoloration throughout. With replaced porcelain-capped sockets. The shade displays an exceptionally artistic glass selection with a full range of saturated glass. The red peony blossoms show a spectacular color range, from deep scarlet red to pink. The background glass is striated with shades of deep purple, cobalt, aqua and turquoise. This lamp presents beautifully in its current condition, but would greatly benefit with professional restoration.
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.