Vase 1893 - 1894

This vase was created by Louis Comfort Tiffany, sometime around the turn of the twentieth century, using a complex recipe of molten glass. The shimmering, iridescent surface of the vase doesn't come from paint, but rather from metallic oxides added during the glassmaking process. These create an oily, rainbow effect as light hits the surface, an aesthetic that Tiffany trademarked as 'Favrile'. This finish reflects his fascination with the natural world, echoing the colors of peacock feathers or butterfly wings. Tiffany’s workshop was run like a laboratory, with careful records kept of each batch of glass. His production was essentially an early form of industrial design, with teams of artisans executing his artistic vision. Though celebrated as high art, objects like these were made in a factory setting, by skilled workers who remain largely anonymous. Considering this vase, we can appreciate Tiffany's artistry and the technical expertise of his team, recognizing that it was all made possible by a combination of artistry, material innovation, and factory production.