Turtleback Reading Lamp

c. 1895–1902

Tiffany Glass & Decorating Company

(America, New York, 1892–1902)

Culture

America, New York

Medium

Favrile glass, bronze

Measurements

Overall: 35.6 cm (14 in.); Diameter of top: 35.6 x 21.6 cm (14 x 8 1/2 in.); Diameter of base: 35.6 x 15.2 cm (14 x 6 in.)

Credit Line

Bequest of Charles Maurer 2018.287

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Location

209 Tiffany

Did You Know?

Louis Comfort Tiffany called the large pieces of cast glass with irregular shapes "turtleback," because they resemble the craggy shapes of a turtle's shell.

Description

By 1900 Louis Comfort Tiffany had expanded his empire by increasing the firm’s production of “fancy goods,” including inkstands, candlesticks, clocks, small boxes, desk sets, tea screens, and other functional objects, such as this small reading lamp for a desk. These smaller, more affordable luxury items were designed with as much thought to artistry as the great stained glass windows and table lamps through which the firm enjoyed unrivaled success.