Tiffany Studios

Private Collection
Sandra van den Broek, New York
Acquired from the above by the present owner

William Feldstein, Jr. and Alastair Duncan, The Lamps of Tiffany Studios, New York, 1983, pp. 36-37
Alastair Duncan, Fin de Siècle Masterpieces from the Silverman Collection, New York, 1989, p. 40
Alastair Duncan, Louis C. Tiffany:  The Garden Museum Collection, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2004, p. 293
Martin Eidelberg, Alice Cooney Frelinghuysen, Nancy A. McClelland and Lars Rachen, The Lamps of Louis Comfort Tiffany, New York, 2005, pp. 106-107 (for the successively numbered example offered in the previous lot)
Martin Eidelberg, Nina Gray and Margaret K. Hofer, A New Light on Tiffany:  Clara Driscoll and the Tiffany Girls, London, 2007, p. 48

Overall in very good condition. The shade and base are both impressed with the firm's production numbers 23917 / 5, reinforcing that the shade and base have originated together from the time of manufacture. The shade with approximately 45-50 cracks to the glass tiles dispersed throughout, which is a relatively low number in proportion to the vast number of glass tiles (approximately 2000) which were required to execute this complex and monumental shade. All of these hairlines appear stable. Two small glass tiles with very small and minor edge flecks. As is commonly seen with the Wisteria model, a few of the lower panicles along the bottom irregular border are very subtly bent. These elements all appear stable. The top bronze armature of the shade and lower branching are finely cast and display an exceptionally rich layered brown and green patina. With some gentle rubbing to the high points of the top reticulated shade armature. The bronze branching incorporated throughout the top register of the shade is highly sculptural and tactile, and adds great visual interest and dimension to the lamp. With some light surface soiling to the recessed contours of the top shade armature and to the recessed contours of the shade leading along the top shoulder. The "Tree" base displays a rich and satisfying layered brown and green patina. The base displays exceptional quality to the casting, and the branching on the lower cushion is particularly sculptural and well defined. The patinated bronze surfaces of the base with some occasional light surface scratches, abrasions and gentle rubbing consistent with age and gentle handling. The base retains its original bronze switch which is fully functional as a two-way switch. With some gentle rubbing to the perimeter contours of the base switch and adjacent surfaces of the base from continued surface contact over time. All four electrical sockets appear to be original and undisturbed. The lamp displays beautifully in person with strong visual presence. The glass selection is highly artistic and thoughtful, displaying a heavily saturated and well-varied color palette. This lamp and its successively-numbered counterpart offered in lot 215 are among the very finest examples of the Wisteria model ever to appear on the market. An extraordinary example of Tiffany's iconic Wisteria lamp design, displaying the highest artistry of Tiffany's lamp production.
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.