TIFFANY STUDIOS | "Scarab" Inkstand

with period clear glass liner

Carol Ferranti Antiques, New York, circa 1974
David Cathers, Armonk, New York
Sotheby's New York, June 14, 2006, lot 191

The Arts and Crafts Movement in America, 1876-1916, The Art Museum, Princeton University, October 21-December 17, 1972, The Art Institute of Chicago, February 24-April 22, 1973, Renwick Gallery of the National Collection of Fine Arts, Smithsonian Institution, June 1-September 10, 1973

Robert Judson Clark, ed., The Arts and Crafts Movement in America, 1876-1916, exh. Cat., Princeton, 1972, p. 22 (for the present lot illustrated)
Alastair Duncan, Tiffany At Auction, New York, 1981, p. 54
Robert Koch, Louis C Tiffany's Glass, Bronzes, Lamps: A Complete Collector's Guide, New York, 1989, pp. 90, no. 100 and 91, no. 101
Robert Koch, Louis C. Tiffany: The Collected Works of Robert Koch, Atglen, PA, 2001, pp. 214-215
John Loring, Louis Comfort Tiffany at Tiffany & Co., New York, 2002, p. 194
Alastair Duncan, Louis C. Tiffany: The Garden Museum Collection, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2004, pp. 366 and 368
Alastair Duncan, Tiffany Lamps and Metalware, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2007, p. 428, no. 1701 and p. 430, no. 1709

Overall very good condition. This exceptional example of the model is distinguished by its all-over hammered texture, which imparts strong dynamism and a naturalistic quality to this sculptural work. The patinated bronze surfaces display an exceptionally rich brown patina, with some occasional minor surface scratches and abrasions consistent with age and gentle handling, and with some minor surface soiling and oxidation to the recessed contours of the design. The surfaces with some scattered minor ink stains, some partially visible in the catalogue illustration. The lower edge of the lid with some expected wear and very minor losses to the patina, only visible when the inkstand is open. With a period clear glass liner in very good condition with a few minute flea bites to the interior and exterior edges of the rim and one slightly larger clamshell fleck to the exterior edge. A superb example of the model displaying masterfully articulated cast and chased details.
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.