Tiffany Studios Brown Vase

Tiffany Studios
Brown Vase

circa 1901
Favrile glass
engraved P1367 L.C.T. Favrile Pottery
5½ in. (14 cm) high

Condition Report:
Overall in very good condition. When viewed firsthand, the vase displays a dynamic striped surface of brown, brick red and bronze hues. The silhouette is irregular and asymmetrical with intentional bulges which, coupled with the coloration, imitate the surface and form of glazed earthenware. 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 inventive and textural work.

Catalogue Note:
Brown blown Favrile glass vases had a certain appeal to my father and a number of examples in that color were added to the collection. Many of these brown pieces exhibit some sort of unusual feature and this particular vase is no exception. The shape and the irregular small bulges echo those featured in high-fired unglazed Shigaraki stoneware vases made in Japan during the 17th and 18th centuries. What is almost as interesting is how the object was signed. Although definitely made entirely of glass, the vase is inscribed P1367 L.C.T. Favrile Pottery. Perhaps the gaffer or the superintendent insisted that the piece be marked in this manner. More likely, however, is that the vase baffled whoever in the glasshouse was responsible for signing the objects and he or she believed that the vase was actually a piece of pottery.

- Paul Doros

Provenance:
Sotheby Parke Bernet, New York, October 31, 1979, lot 574
Robert Wilson, Palm Beach, Florida, 1983