Several of the Desk Sets designed and produced by Tiffany Studios were inspired by the art and artifacts of ancient cultures, and the Chinese Desk Set is no exception.
According to a pamphlet distributed by Tiffany Studios around 1910 in which the various patterns were described and listed with pricing information, the Chinese Desk Set was inspired by the “ancient symbolism of China" which was "quaintly expressed” through modern reinterpretations of motifs found in bronzes from the 10th century B.C.E., including the Shang and Zhou Dynasties.
This picture frame from the set, in rich brown patina, features an easel stand and is signed with firm’s marks on the reverse.
Height: 8 ¾ inches (22.3 cm)
Width: 6 ¾ inches (17.2 cm)
Display opening: 5 ½ inches high x 4 inches wide