This Picture Frame is part of Tiffany Studios’ Zodiac Desk Set. The Zodiac Set was one of the most popular desk sets designed and retailed by Tiffany Studios, and was in production for nearly three decades, likely until the company ceased operations in the early 1930s.
The flat borders of this easel-backed Zodiac Picture Frame, in the original rich brown patina, feature low relief decoration of medallions depicting each of the twelve astrological signs, alternating with spiral motifs, accented by a heavy interlace design.
In “Desk Sets and Useful Articles,” a sales brochure distributed by Tiffany Studios around 1910, the company described the Zodiac set as being “ornamented with a primitive design rudely modelled … very dignified and simple in character.” The set could be finished in green, brown or gold patina. The Zodiac Desk Set featured thirty pieces in total, including multiple sizes of picture frames of which this is the largest.
Height: 13 inches (33 cm)
Width: 12 ¼ inches (31 m)
Depth: 9 inches (23 cm)
Opening:
Height: 10 inches (25 cm)
Width: 8 inches (20 cm)