TIFFANY STUDIOS | “Turtle-Back” Double Inkstand

with two period favrile glass inkwell liners

Lillian Nassau, New York, 2008

John Loring, Louis Comfort Tiffany at Tiffany & Co., New York, 2002, p. 202
Alastair Duncan, Louis C. Tiffany: The Garden Museum Collection, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2004, p. 354
Alastair Duncan, Tiffany Lamps and Metalware, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2007, p. 436 no. 1728
Paul Doros, The Art Glass of Louis Comfort Tiffany, New York, 2013, p. 186
David A. Hanks, Louis Comfort Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection, New York, 2013, p. 161
Timeless Beauty, The Art of Louis Comfort Tiffany, The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, Atglen, PA, 2016, p. 177

Overall very good condition. The patinated bronze surfaces display an exceptionally rich green and russet brown patina, with some scattered minor surface scratches, abrasions and rubbing consistent with age and gentle use. The corners of the lid with some minor areas of wear and small associated losses to the patina. With some very light surface soiling and a few scattered traces of oxidation. The turtle-back tiles all appear original and undisturbed and are in very condition. The iridized tiles present with a beautifully variegated palette of jewel-tone hues ranging from intense emerald green to indigo. The tile to the right of the central drawer with some scattered very minor surface irregularities (visible in the catalogue illustrations), possibly inherent in the making or from contact between the glass surface and small interior drawer. The interior of the box lid with staggered pen hooks for three pens; one hook has been over-bent and has a small crack, stable. The inkstand with two period Tiffany favrile glass liners, both with a vibrant coloration and strong iridescence. The rim treatment to these liners shows very subtle variation, so it is possible that one may be associated. The glass with some scattered minute air bubbles and particulate inclusions inherent in the making and not at all visually detractive. An outstanding example of this rare and highly desirable Tiffany inkstand model. Please note that this inkstand is not offered with pens; the pens visible in the catalogue illustration are for presentation purposes only.
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.