Tiffany Studios acknowledged that the Ninth Century Set was one of the most elaborate desk sets designed and sold by the company. Period sales pamphlets focusing specifically on Tiffany Desk Sets highlighted the Ninth Century set’s decoration of stylized animals, including birds, squirrels and hares, which Tiffany’s designers adapted as a substitute for the grotesques commonly seen in Decorative Arts from the 9th century. These charming creatures are surrounded by intricate knotwork and interlace designs, described by Tiffany Studios as “carved ornament” and “deeply cut strapwork.”
The Ninth Century set is one of the few Tiffany desk sets which features Tiffany Favrile Glass as an important decorative element used to imitate a semi-precious jewel or stone.
This Stamp Box from the set, in bright gold patina, features surface decoration on all four flat sides as well as the domed hinged lid. The edges of the decorative elements feature narrow borders with scrolling motif punctuated by inset rounded polished Tiffany Favrile Glass cabochons in shades of deep blue and green, likely intended to recall the tones of sapphires and emeralds. A blue cabochon gem sits at the apex of the domed lid.
Height: 1 ½ inches (3.8 cm)
Width: 4 inches (10.2 cm)
Depth: 1 ¾ inches (4.5 cm)