Tiffany Studios

Overall in very good condition. With a few minute air bubbles inclusions inherent in the making. The interior of the rim with some very short successive vertical tool marks all inherent in the making (these are quite common and not at all visibly detracting). The exterior with a few light and fine surface scratches to the outermost contours. The interior of the vase is beautifully iridized imparting the vase with strong luminosity and visual depth. A highly artistic example distinguished by its impressive scale, elegant form, thick glass walls, and stunning abstract lyrical decoration. The Nasturtium blossoms are articulated in brilliant hues of deep orange, magenta and ultramarine, which are strikingly positioned amidst a field of abstract leaves and vines articulated in hues of ultramarine and dark green, all offset by a striking celadon green ground. When viewing the vase in the round, the decoration displays strong dynamic movement and visual interest around the full circumference.
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.

Tiffany Furnaces never made paperweights in the traditional sense.  However, around 1900, they discovered a technique to encase a decoration between two layers of clear glass.  The design was frequently enhanced by the use of glass millefiori—from the Italian mille (thousand) and fiori (flowers)—and a gold, or orange-gold, iridescence on the vase’s interior surface.  The glasshouse’s initial attempts to produce paperweight vases featured basic shapes, simple designs and an occasional production flaw.  Louis Tiffany, however, quickly realized that this technique would be the perfect medium to express his love of nature, particularly flowers.  The gaffers’ skills and inventiveness improved rapidly, and paperweight vases are among some of the glassworks’ most artistic creations.

The Poppy paperweight vase (lot 14) exemplifies the heights of the gaffer’s abilities.  The graceful baluster-shaped body, encasing vivid millefiori-centered flowers amongst stylized foliage, clearly demonstrate the glassmaker’s care in producing a piece intended for one of the Paris Salon exhibitions.  The Nasturtium vase (lot 13) is of an unusual shape and thickness that creates a heightened sense of fluidity to the internal decoration.

─Paul Doros