This Peony Table Lamp by Tiffany Studios features a spectacular example of the 18-inch diameter model of the Peony shade showcasing exceptional glass selection. The Peony Shade is one of the floral designs for Tiffany Lamps that has been attributed to designer Clara Driscoll.
Each of the peony blossoms which encircle the shade is articulated in a distinct selection of creamy Tiffany glass in a variety of types, ranging from translucent mottled white to sections of “foliage” or “confetti” glass. The wide blossoms and buds, sometimes tinged with blue or green, are interspersed with green leaves and stems and the occasional unfurling bud near the lower edge of the shade. The background glass is formed by transparent glass in variegated shades of blue.
This shade rests on a bronze Decorated Cushion Table Base with elaborate surface decoration and applied wirework in a rich brown patina.
Both the shade and base of this original Tiffany lamp are signed.
Louis Comfort Tiffany often incorporated the Peony blossom into his designs for leaded glass, including an early series of pictorial windows attributed directly to the artist which depict vases overflowing with peonies. The flower also appears in a number of landscape windows for domestic interiors likely designed by Agnes Northrop, in addition to the series of leaded glass shades for Tiffany Lamps designed by Clara Driscoll and the “Tiffany Girls” ranging from 18 to 28 inches in diameter. The cartoon for the 22-inch diameter variation is in the permanent collection of the New-York Historical Society (accession no. 2007.4.8).
Height: 23 ¼ inches (59.1 cm)
Diameter: 18 inches (45.7 cm)
References:
M. Eidelberg, A. Cooney Frelinghuysen, N. A. McClelland and L. Rachen, "The Lamps of Louis Comfort Tiffany," New York, 2005, pg. 20-21 (shade)
Margaret K. Hofer and Rebecca D. Klassen, The Lamps of. Tiffany Studios: Nature Illuminated, New York, 2016, pg. 107