Tiffany Studios

Christie’s New York, June 12, 1993, lot 422
Acquired from the above by the present owner

The shade appears to have endured an impact in the past, and shows evidence of prior restoration (most likely executed a long time ago) in a few select areas. There are a high number of cracks to the glass tiles dispersed throughout. There is one area of the shade along the lower border which appears to have been impacted, which is slightly indented and shows a higher concentration of cracks. Several of the cracks throughout the shade appear to have been stabilized in the past with glue, and a few cracks have small associated losses and surface flecks. Additionally, there are a few areas of the shade leading, including a small area below the top rim, which appear to have been stabilized in the past. The glass throughout the shade appears to be original and undisturbed, with no evidence of any glass replacement. The lower border of the shade is slightly out of round, and the bottom beaded border edge shows minor separation in one quadrant where two soldered connection points have opened. This could easily be re-stabilized by a Tiffany restorer. With period socket cluster (one of the six sockets presently not functioning). With replaced suspension rod, chains and ceiling plate. A gorgeous example of the model with an exceptionally artistic glass selection, most notably distinguished by the use of pale blue glass and “Confetti” glass in the background passages, and accents of dimensional rippled glass used to articulate some of the daffodil blossoms. With the appropriate conservation this shade will present beautifully.
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 Daffodil flower was a popular subject for Tiffany lampshades, and was used in the design of several patterns for table lamps and chandeliers.  Because the color range of the flower in nature is limited to white, yellow and orange, the treatment of the background glass is additionally important for these models. The present example is distinguished by the use of fractured glass to define the background.  Fractured glass, commonly referred to as “Confetti” glass, is an ancient type of glass created by embedding a sheet of clear glass with paper-thin shards and tiny rods of variously colored glass.  The Tiffany Studios method of making it was to scatter the “Confetti” fragments onto an iron table, before pouring molten clear glass on the surface and rolling it into a flat sheet.  Tiffany often used it as a background glass in windows and lamp shades, as it lent itself to depictions of foliage and the creation of atmospheric effects.  The present shade uses it for this purpose to great effect, with the "Confetti" glass rendering both the undergrowth glimpsed between the daffodil leaves and the sky between and above the blossoms.