Image: Christies
This is no ordinary stained glass table lamp. This rare gem, called the Lily Pond, was created in 1903 by the renowned Tiffany Studios in New York City. Only 14 of these lamps exist, residing in museums and private collections. In 2018, this particular lamp sold at auction for US$3,372,500 – it originally listed for US$400. The design was inspired by Louis Comfort Tiffany’s lily pond at The Briars, his country house on Long Island.
Tiffany introduced his stained glass lamps at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, instantly capturing the public’s fancy. The design is considered part of the Art Nouveau movement, popular between 1890 and 1910. Tiffany, who was trained as a painter, had a deep passion for botany. The organic shapes that defined Art Nouveau are prevalent throughout Tiffany’s wide selection of luxury goods. The Tiffany Studios employed exceptionally talented craftspeople, especially women. The “Tiffany Girls” (as they were called) were directed by department head Clara Driscoll, who designed over 30 lamps for the company. The studio was constantly experimenting with colour and different forms of glass – incorporating molten, opalescent and ripple glass into their creations, allowing the refraction and diffusion of light to enhance the colours. Daphne Riou, the head of Design at Christie’s at the time of the sale of this Lily Pond lamp, says, “The violet and purple-streaked blue transparent glass simulating water in the background contrast with the magnificent pond lilies in shades of apricot, green streaked yellow, amber and white with hints of red and blue.”
Louis Comfort Tiffany claimed his life-long goal was “the pursuit of beauty.” The unique use of colour displayed in this exquisite piece proves he accomplished his dream.