Tiffany Studios

with a rare "Swamp Flower" base

Christie's New York, December 10, 2002, lot 197

Overall in very good condition. The shade with approximately 4 cracks to the glass tiles dispersed throughout. The shade leading is beautifully rendered, displaying fine thin lines and a rich russet brown and green patina. The patinated bronze surfaces of the rare “Swamp” base display an exceptionally rich russet brown patina with green highlights to the swamp flowers around the lower perimeter border. The bronze surfaces with some occasional light surface scratches, gentle rubbing and some light traces of surface soiling and surface residue consistent with age and gentle use. The interior ends of the shade arms with light rubbing to the patina from continued contact over the years with the shade. This base was originally designed as an oil lamp and was converted in the period to electricity. The base retains its original reticulated burner device which was converted with a single central socket. The oil canister and bottom of the base were fortunately not drilled at the time of conversion, and the electric cord extends through the side of the reticulated burner device along with a short functional pull chain. The underside of the base is inscribed with a collection number in black ink, 1109A. The underside of the oil canister is similarly inscribed in black ink 1109A/D223. The underside of the base with an indistinctly impressed three-digit number. With a beautiful period drop finial. This lamp has great presence and visual impact, displaying a highly desirable shade and base pairing, and a deeply saturated and well-varied glass selection.
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.

As Martin Eidelberg has noted, the heraldic Poinsettia design exploded onto the scene around 1909-1910 with multiple models in three varying sizes.  The present example, representing the middle size, is distinguished by its striking cobalt blue floral centers anchoring the heavily saturated range of violet and crimson petals.  This shade is paired with an elegant and early base design displaying aqueous swamp flowers which sprout from the lower register.