Louis Comfort Tiffany’s companies produced a variety of pressed glass “tiles” throughout their history, but the Turtle Back remains one of the most beloved by Tiffany collectors.
Tiffany’s Turtle Back tiles are marked by a naturalistic irregular surface, reminiscent of the shells of turtles and tortoises. These glass tiles were produced in a variety of colors including blue, gold, and red, all with dramatic surface iridescence accented by the sculptural quality of the form.
“Turtle Backs” were incorporated into a variety of objects produced by Tiffany Studios and Tiffany Glass & Decorating Co., ranging from leaded glass shades for Tiffany Lamps featuring rows of Turtle Back Tiles to bronze lamp bases, inkwells, candlesticks and planters with inset tiles.
This rare paperweight features the largest Turtle Back tile produced by Tiffany Studios; this example in dark blue features rainbow surface iridescence and is inset into a bronze mount in a rich brown patina with four low feet.
This rare piece of Tiffany glass is signed on the underside.
Length: 5 ¾ inches
Width: 4 ¾ inches