Lot 212: TIFFANY STUDIOS | An Important "Peacock" Table Lamp

with an exceedingly rare favrile glass "Peacock" base

25 1/4  in. (64.1 cm) high<br />18 1/2  in. (47 cm) diameter of shade

leaded glass, favrile glass and patinated bronze

Overall in very good condition. The shade with approximately 11 cracks to the glass tiles dispersed throughout. All of these hairlines appear stable. The exceedingly rare "Peacock" base is one of only two known examples of the model, and the only known example executed in brilliant blue glass (the other is executed in green glass). By all accounts the opalescent blue favrile glass panels set in between the vertical bronze peacock feathers are original and undisturbed. Upon very close inspection, three glass panels have tight hairline cracks, all which appear quite old and have been recently stabilized by a professional glass conservator. The glass panels with some small scattered air bubble inclusions, open air bubbles and minor surface irregularities, all inherent in the making; and with a few very small and minute surface flecks, very minor and commensurate with age and gentle handling. With traces of surface soiling to the perimeter contours of the glass panels in the base, and to the recessed folds of the glass. The bronze components of the Peacock base display a particularly rich and satisfying russet brown and green patina. The patinated bronze surfaces with some occasional light surface scratches, abrasions and rubbing consistent with age and gentle handling. The lower portion of the base is embellished with peacock eyes inset with small pieces of iridized favrile glass, all which appear original and undisturbed. There is green pigment applied over the leading on each peacock eye which shows small scattered losses. All three electrical sockets and paddle switches appear original and undisturbed. Lacking the small plastic cord bushing on the upper riser component below the sockets (easily replaceable if desired). An outstanding example, displaying one of the most highly desired shade and base pairings. The very elegant and regal coloration of the favrile glass in the base is particularly harmonious with the rich blue hues articulated throughout the shade. The shade has a gorgeous, highly saturated glass selection, notably distinguished by the stunning transition of its rich jewel-tone palette. When viewing this lamp firsthand, the colors are more saturated and nuanced than seen in the catalogue photography, which does not fully capture the radiance and luminosity of the glass. -----
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.

William Feldstein, Jr. and Alastair Dncan, The Lamps of Tiffany Studios, New York, 1983, pp. 56-57 (for a closely related Peacock lamp with green favrile glass base in the Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass) and pp. 130-131 (for the standard Peacock base model)
Alastair Duncan, Louis C. Tiffany: The Garden Museum Collection, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2004, p. 308 (for the standard Peacock base model)
Martin Eidelberg, Alice Cooney Frelinghuysen, Nancy A. McClelland and Lars Rachen, The Lamps of Louis Comfort Tiffany, New York, 2005, pp. 201-202 (for the present lot illustrated)
Martin Eidelberg, Nina Gray and Margaret K. Hofer, A New Light on Tiffany:  Clara Driscoll and the Tiffany Girls, London, 2007, p. 7 (for that standard Peacock base model)

Robert and Gladys Koch, Stamford, CT
Collection of Lloyd and Barbara Macklowe, New York, acquired from the above, circa 1975
Sotheby's New York, Important Art Nouveau from the Private Collection of Lloyd and Barbara Macklowe, December 2, 1995, lot 680
Acquired from the above by the present owner