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Tiffany Studios New York "Belted Turtleback" Table Lamp
The "Belted Turtleback" table lamp by Tiffany Studios New York is a sophisticated exploration of monochromatic design. The dome lampshade is divided into three distinct tiers, blending contrasting elements with subtlety. The uppermost tier features rectangular panels of amber glass, gradually increasing in size as they descend, until interrupted by a horizontal band of richly textured emerald green glass. The lowest tier returns to rectangular panels in a horizontal arrangement but with a consistent size. The shade is mounted on an urn-shaped base made of spun bronze. In ancient Greece, urns were multifunctional, used for storing food, holding ashes, and offering gifts to the gods. Early versions of the urn base, created in the 1880s, were designed to hold paraffin oil canisters. As Tiffany Studios transitioned to electrification, the urn base evolved, becoming more elongated and refined in design.
- Product Details
- Curator's Notes
Item #: L-21751
Artist: Tiffany Studios New York
Country: United States
Circa: 1900
Dimensions: 14" diameter, 21.5" height.
Materials: Leaded Glass, Bronze
Shade Signed: Tiffany Studios New York 1479
Base Signed: Tiffany Studios New York 444
Literature: Shade pictured in Tiffany Lamps and Metalware, An Illustrated Reference to Over 2000 Models, by Alastair Duncan, p.131, plate #1434. Base pictured on p. 96, plate #376
In his twenties, Tiffany was given early access to see the Cypriot antiquities collection of Met Museum director General Luigi Palma di Cesnola. The primitive beauty of the Cyprus's turtle carapace scale rings and bracelets delighted Tiffany, inspiring his turtleback tiles. The "Turtleback" tile was among the earliest innovations at Tiffany Furnaces in Corona New York. A large glass press created the appearance of hand wrought tiles, belying their industrial manufacture. Both the turtleback tile and iridescence distinguished Louis Comfort Tiffany as a luminary of glass innovation