Tiffany Studios "Cypriote" Paperweight Vase
Tiffany Studios
"Cypriote" Paperweight Vase
circa 1902
Favrile glass
engraved V199 L.C. Tiffany-Favrile
6¼ in. (15.8 cm) high
Condition Report:
Overall in very good condition. When viewed firsthand, the vase displays a translucent amber body with sea green swirls overlaid with jewel-tone iridescence and an exquisite brown “Cypriote” finish that creates a dynamic visual contrast on the surface. As expected with the “Cypriote” technique, the exterior surfaces are wonderfully irregular and tactile with open air bubbles, particulate inclusions and irregularities which are inherent in the making. The mid-region of the body with a slightly more pronounced open air bubble on the surface measuring approximately ¼ in. in diameter, inherent in the making and not visually distracting from the rich surface texture. The interior of the collar with a slightly more pronounced particulate inclusion, inherent in the making and not visually distracting. The lower half of the vase with an internal thread inherent in the making, which curves from the middle of the vase down toward and around the foot. The glass surfaces with scattered, very fine and light surface scratches consistent with age and gentle handling. The multihued iridescent interior of the vase with some traces of light surface soiling and a few very minor residue accretions around the foot. The underside of the vase is applied with a Doros Collection accession number. A remarkable vase showcasing the firm’s experimentations with both the “Paperweight” and “Cypriote” techniques.
Catalogue Note:
Swirling Iridescence: "Paperweight" Vases
The Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company’s so-called “Paperweight” vases were created by encasing a design between two relatively thin layers of transparent glass and then usually adding a gold or orange-gold iridescence to the interior surface. This technique was eventually perfected with the addition of millefiori and proved to be an ideal vehicle to visually express Louis Tiffany’s love of flowers.
When the method was first employed by the glasshouse around 1902, however, the gaffers were unsure exactly how to employ the technique and a brief period of experimentation ensued. An ornate swirled design was frequently the result, as is aptly demonstrated by two other “Paperweight” examples offered here: the miniature vase (lot 341) and lot 329, with its highly unusual upper and lower exterior bands of iridescent gold and brown. In the same vein, but even rarer, is this vase with an applied “Cypriote” overlay. The transparent body, with a heavy interior multi-hued iridescence, encases green, cream and brown swirls that are mimicked by the swirls of pitted and textured “Cypriote” glass that additionally are a wonderful contrast to the smooth, glossy surface of the vase itself. This decoration was infrequently employed and only for a very brief period around 1902, probably because the technique was so difficult to master.
- PD
Provenance:
William Arbeiter
Superior Galleries, Beverly Hills, California, October 17, 1992, lot 248
Private Collection
Christie's New York, March 5, 1994, lot 474
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Tiffany Studios
"Cypriote" Paperweight Vase
circa 1902
Favrile glass
engraved V199 L.C. Tiffany-Favrile
6¼ in. (15.8 cm) high
Condition Report:
Overall in very good condition. When viewed firsthand, the vase displays a translucent amber body with sea green swirls overlaid with jewel-tone iridescence and an exquisite brown “Cypriote” finish that creates a dynamic visual contrast on the surface. As expected with the “Cypriote” technique, the exterior surfaces are wonderfully irregular and tactile with open air bubbles, particulate inclusions and irregularities which are inherent in the making. The mid-region of the body with a slightly more pronounced open air bubble on the surface measuring approximately ¼ in. in diameter, inherent in the making and not visually distracting from the rich surface texture. The interior of the collar with a slightly more pronounced particulate inclusion, inherent in the making and not visually distracting. The lower half of the vase with an internal thread inherent in the making, which curves from the middle of the vase down toward and around the foot. The glass surfaces with scattered, very fine and light surface scratches consistent with age and gentle handling. The multihued iridescent interior of the vase with some traces of light surface soiling and a few very minor residue accretions around the foot. The underside of the vase is applied with a Doros Collection accession number. A remarkable vase showcasing the firm’s experimentations with both the “Paperweight” and “Cypriote” techniques.
Catalogue Note:
Swirling Iridescence: "Paperweight" Vases
The Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company’s so-called “Paperweight” vases were created by encasing a design between two relatively thin layers of transparent glass and then usually adding a gold or orange-gold iridescence to the interior surface. This technique was eventually perfected with the addition of millefiori and proved to be an ideal vehicle to visually express Louis Tiffany’s love of flowers.
When the method was first employed by the glasshouse around 1902, however, the gaffers were unsure exactly how to employ the technique and a brief period of experimentation ensued. An ornate swirled design was frequently the result, as is aptly demonstrated by two other “Paperweight” examples offered here: the miniature vase (lot 341) and lot 329, with its highly unusual upper and lower exterior bands of iridescent gold and brown. In the same vein, but even rarer, is this vase with an applied “Cypriote” overlay. The transparent body, with a heavy interior multi-hued iridescence, encases green, cream and brown swirls that are mimicked by the swirls of pitted and textured “Cypriote” glass that additionally are a wonderful contrast to the smooth, glossy surface of the vase itself. This decoration was infrequently employed and only for a very brief period around 1902, probably because the technique was so difficult to master.
- PD
Provenance:
William Arbeiter
Superior Galleries, Beverly Hills, California, October 17, 1992, lot 248
Private Collection
Christie's New York, March 5, 1994, lot 474
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Estimate
Time, Location
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