Vase 1893 - 1896

This small vase was made by Louis Comfort Tiffany, using molten glass. Tiffany was fascinated by the endless possibilities of glass as a medium. He saw himself as both an artist and an industrialist, and perfected a method for creating what he called "favrile" glass. This involved mixing different colors of molten glass, and manipulating them while hot. If you look closely, you can see how the opaque yellows and blues swirl together to create a soft, almost dreamlike effect. The surface of the vase is textured and subtly iridescent. This effect wasn’t achieved with paint, but through metallic oxides added to the molten glass. Pieces like this reflect Tiffany’s belief in the value of skilled handcraftsmanship, which was very much in contrast with the rise of mass-produced goods at the time. So, while Tiffany was a savvy businessman, he also championed the idea that beautiful, handmade objects could enrich everyday life. It’s a great example of how art and industry can come together.