Tiffany Studios An Early "Lava" Vase

Tiffany Studios
An Early "Lava" Vase

circa 1895
Favrile glass
with the firm’s paper label
4½ in. (11.4 cm) high
4¾ in. (12.1 cm) diameter

Condition Report:
Overall in very good condition. When viewed firsthand, the vase displays a wonderfully tactile and varied surface. The body combines swirls of ochre, amber and butterscotch around its trefoil rim that contrast the richly textured black sections evocative of obsidian. The glass presents with occasional minor air bubbles, particulate inclusions and surface irregularities which are inherent in the making and not visually distracting. The glass surfaces throughout with scattered, very fine and light surface scratches consistent with age and gentle handling. The interior of the vase with traces of light surface soiling. The underside of the vase is applied with a Doros Collection accession number. An innovative early work with a dynamic surface and unique form showcasing the firms’ experimentation with the “Lava” technique.

Catalogue Note:
Precursor to Perfection: Early Favrile Glass

Tiffany’s skilled gaffers usually perfected various motifs and decorations, such as flower forms, “Paperweights” and cameos, within two to three years. What are known as Tiffany Studios’ "Lava" vases, with applied thick gold threadings over a textured navy ground, such as lot 317, took them over ten years to achieve. Not only was a highly choreographed and difficult routine among the six to eight glassworkers required in the production process, many of the pieces broke or cracked while annealing.

Some of the earliest pieces of Favrile were noteworthy for their textured surfaces: “Sometimes a piece which has had its surface roughened resembles those articles turned from lava which are offered to us at Naples, or else articles carved from obsidian.” These examples, such as the lot offered here, made circa 1895, was one of the glasshouse’s earliest attempts at a Lava-type vase. In addition to the trefoil rim, the dimpled body features rippled black sections having the texture of weathered leather, offset with glossy striated earth-toned portions and divided by striated blue streaks bordered in cream that seemingly erupt from the base. It is an extraordinary example and a precursor of the company’s future work.

- PD

Provenance:
Ruth and Ray Suppes, Washington, D.C.
Greg Gluck
Christie’s New York, Magnificent Tiffany: The Gluck Collection, February 17, 1979, lot 81
Sander Davidson, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Sotheby's New York, May 12, 1984, lot 311
Private Collection
Sotheby’s New York, May 18, 1985, lot 377