In the early 20th century Tiffany Studios produced a variety of leaded glass shades depicting a naturalistic field of tulips, all of which were likely based on initial designs by Clara Driscoll, the head of the Women’s Glass Cutting Department and one of the most important artists working in Louis Comfort Tiffany’s empire. Tulip shades were produced for Tiffany Lamps in a range of sizes and configurations from 16 inches to 22 inches in diameter.
This exceptional Tiffany Lamp features a 22-inch diameter Tulip shade showcasing particularly fine glass selection. From the lower edge of the shade, tulips sprout on mottled green stems from “soil” formed by glass in swirling shades of earthy brown and green, interspersed with narrow horizontal border rows in a complementary shade of green. Each individual flower is formed by a distinct selection of variegated Tiffany glass ranging in color from deep red to pastel pink through lavender, rich purple and burgundy; the color palette shifts across the surface of the shade, with each side presenting a subtle variation in tone. Several of the petals along the lower portion of the shade were artfully streaked with green, giving the impression of the layering of leaf and flower, while near the crown the petals are streaked with blue, alluding to a clear blue sky.
This exceptional shade is paired with aLibrary Standard bronze table base with telescopic stem, allowing the height of the shade to be adjusted. This elaborate base model features a decorative reticulated motif and sculptural details in low relief on the stem, this example in rich brown patina.
Both the shade and base of this original Tiffany lamp are signed.
Height: 29 inches (73.7 cm)
Diameter: 22 inches (55.9 cm)