Tiffany Studios

Charming Curiosities –

Miniature Vases

What collectors now refer to as “miniatures” were actually referred to as cabinet pieces when they were initially introduced to the public by the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company. They were among the earliest pieces produced by the company and were frequently mentioned in the firm’s initial 1894 advertisements for its newly-developed material: “Tiffany Favrile Glass, made by special processes under the supervision of Mr. Louis C. Tiffany. This new material has been worked into a variety of large and small objects for the collector’s cabinet and lovers of bric-a-brac…” The advent of electric lighting into American homes made these petite objects commercially viable, as pieces could now be visible throughout the day and night, even in the darkest recesses of a display cabinet.

Miniature examples were also more affordable than the larger vases, opening the market to those collectors not as wealthy as Tiffany’s usual clientele. Individuals who did not necessarily have the money or space for a major piece could now obtain a glass vase from the internationally-acclaimed company that would validate their sophisticated good taste to all who entered their homes. Tiffany Studios encapsulated their marketing philosophy in their published 1902 portfolio: “Small pieces of Favrile Glass, of great variety in form and coloring. Especially appropriate for gifts and cabinet collections, as every piece is unique and is signed.”

- PD