Peonies were among the first flowers depicted in leaded glass by Louis Comfort Tiffany, appearing in several important early Tiffany windows designed by the artist.
In the early 1900s, Tiffany directed Clara Driscoll and the designers working in the Women’s Glass Cutting Department at Tiffany Studios to work up a series of leaded glass shade models depicting peonies. The design proved popular and was adapted into shades for Tiffany lamps in a variety of sizes and shapes ranging from 18 to 28 inches in diameter. The cartoon and original brass templates used by the “Tiffany Girls” for the 22-inch diameter Peony shade model seen here are in the permanent collection of the New-York Historical (2007.4.8, 2007.4.9); an example of the 22-inch shade from the permanent collection is on display in the museum’s Gallery of Tiffany Lamps (N84.105.1).
This example showcases dynamic glass selection, transitioning in coloration and intensity through each of the three repeats of the pattern. The background glass shifts through shades of blue with heavy mottling throughout. The peony flowers and buds are articulated in opalescent glass in deep reds, creamy pastels, and vibrant pinks with streaks of deep blue, the open flowers with bright yellow centers, surrounded by thin stems and leaves in deep green. At the crown and along the lower edge of the shade, the floral motif is accented by a series of narrow border rows of bright green textured “ripple” glass; several of the petals overlap one of the lower border rows.
The shade is paired with an original Tree Trunk Base with the original rich dark brown-green patina which enhances the naturalistic details of the design, including the gnarled roots on the foot and the textured bark and knots rising up the stem.
The shade retains an original perforated heat cap in matching patina. Both the shade and base of this authentic Tiffany lamp are signed.
Diameter: 22 inches (56 cm)
Height: 33 inches (84 cm)