Collector's Guide: Ten Things You Need to Know About Tiffany Lamps

Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933)   —not to be confused with his father, Charles Tiffany (founder of the famous jewelry brand Tiffany & Co. )—was an artist, interior designer, and designer. Christie's design experts explain: "After achieving success in his careers as a painter and interior designer, Louis decided to focus on the design and production of stained-glass windows. His leaded glass lamps were a natural outgrowth of this."

Many leaded glass lamps produced by Tiffany Studios are considered classics. First introduced in the early 20th century, they have since gained international acclaim. The "Water Lily" lamp shown below sold for $3,372,500 at Christie's auction house in New York in December 2018. Made by Tiffany Studios in the early 20th century, this lamp is one of the company's most expensive and rarest works, with a retail price of $400. It is believed that only 14 of these lamps exist, with 5

currently housed in numerous museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Tiffany employed the best craftsmen in America to realize his aesthetic vision using leaded glass. The process of making the lampshades was extremely laborious, with workers in the cutting department carefully selecting each piece of glass from thousands of pieces. "The most exquisite lampshades showcase a harmonious blend of colors, displaying subtle hues within intricate patterns."

The base is as important as, or even more important than, the shade. Most shades are made of bronze from Tiffany's Queens foundry, although some use enamel or mosaic techniques. Bases can be interchanged with various shades, but experts advise against mixing and matching in a way that compromises the design. Many designs require specific bases: for example, the "Wisteria" shade always goes with the "Tree" shade; but most "Dragonfly" shades can usually be paired with a variety of bases.

Rewiring is perfectly acceptable, provided it is done carefully and does not affect its value. Ensuring the lamp is safe to use is crucial, but collectors should be careful to avoid scratching the original patina on the base, or using a new socket, as this may reduce the lamp's value.

One of the most expensive Tiffany lamps ever sold, fetched US$2.8 million at a Christie's auction in 1997. This "Pink Lotus" lamp is extremely rare, with very few remaining in existence. According to Christie's, its design incorporates many unique elements, including an exquisitely crafted mosaic base. Tiffany leaded glass lamps are more common, with the starting price of a lamp with a "geometric" design being around US$5,000.

As with any antique, checking the condition of the lamp is crucial. "It's 100 years old, so you shouldn't expect it to be perfect," the department explains. Some cracks are usually acceptable—a detached shade or missing glass pieces are less so. Even so, a lamp can still sell for a high price. As one expert recalls: "Early in my career at Christie's, I sold a Tiffany lamp from a private men's club in Cleveland. The men in the club would practice their golf swings, repeatedly hitting the lamp, so the shade had many circular indentations. However, the base was exquisite, so even with all that abuse, it still sold for almost US$400,000!"

It's important to check for any signs of restoration, although these can sometimes be difficult to spot, especially if done well. Older restorations tend to be less neat, clean, and seamless than newer ones. Good restorations may not affect the value of a piece. But, as with any antique, the more original parts the better.

There are many fakes on the market, of varying quality. "Even Tiffany's competitors designed similar products, but from the 1970s onwards, there has been a proliferation of reproductions." Authenticating them is very difficult, and even if a lamp is marked "Tiffany Studios," it doesn't guarantee authenticity. Experts will carefully examine the lamp's design and condition to determine its value. "Each lamp needs to be carefully examined. We check the lamp fitting, the verdigris, the pattern, the casting of the bronze base, and most importantly—the type and quality of the glass. Some reproductions are quite easy to spot, but it usually takes a trained eye."

Tiffany lamps were a hit with New York high society when they were first created, and they remain highly sought after by collectors today. They suit a variety of settings, not just homes filled with antiques. "These lamps are unique works of art, like paintings or sculptures." And, like paintings or sculptures, Tiffany lamps "can be the focal point of a room."

Tiffany Studios may be known for its leaded glass lamps, but interestingly, Louis Comfort Tiffany may have been proudest of his blown glass vases and leaded glass windows The company's mosaics, ceramics, enamels, and fine jewelry were also highly regarded and are sought after by collectors today.