Tiffany Studios

with a rare reticulated blown glass "Pineapple" base

For the shade:
Christie's New York, June 11, 1999, lot 116
Acquired from the above by the present owners

For the base:
Mannie and Helen La Barbara Collection
Phillips International Auctioneers and Appraisers, New York, March 20, 1998, lot 257
Acquired from the above by the present owners

Overall in very good condition. The shade with approximately 10 cracks dispersed to the glass tiles throughout, and with traces of light surface soiling to the recessed contours beneath the dragonfly wing overlays. The leading is beautifully rendered with fine lines, and displays a rich russet brown and green patina. By all accounts the green favrile glass blown through the reticulated “Pineapple” base appears to be original and undisturbed. There is a V-shaped hairline crack extending from the first row of glass on the Pineapple standard that is visible in three adjacent reticulated sections of the glass. This hairline crack appears tight and stable. The favrile glass blown through the base with surface soiling along the adjacent contours of the bronze reticulations. The patinated bronze surfaces of the base display a deep and rich russet brown and green layered patina. The bronze surfaces with some occasional light surface scratches, rubbing and with some surface soiling and residue to the recessed contours of the design consistent with age and gentle use. All six of the sockets appear original and undisturbed. The interior riser (adjacent to the socket cluster) with some small surface abrasions around the outer perimeter contours, which are not visible when the shade is installed. This base is designed with an integral heat cap and switch. The top knop serves as the lamp switch and is fully functional. The heat cap with gentle surface wear, and the switch with rubbing from prior use. A highly desirable and harmonious shade and base pairing. The vibrant green glass in the base is highly complementary to the green hues articulated throughout the shade. The shade displays an unusual and artistic glass selection showing a striking transition in the background passages from vibrant emerald greens striated below with yellow-orange. The translucency of the background glass imparts the shade with strong luminosity and brilliance, giving the shade a dazzling jewel-like effect.
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.