Tiffany Glass: Louis Comfort Tiffany's Favrile Art Glass
Tiffany glass encompasses the extraordinary range of art glass produced by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933) through his various enterprises, including Tiffany Glass & Decorating Company (1892-1902) and Tiffany Studios (1902-1932). Tiffany's development of Favrile glass, patented in 1894, revolutionized American art glass with its iridescent surfaces achieved through metallic oxide treatments during the glassblowing process. From delicate flower-form vases to monumental ecclesiastical windows, Tiffany glass represents the pinnacle of American Art Nouveau and remains among the most collected and valuable decorative arts in the world.
Identification & Marks
Favrile glass pieces are typically engraved on the base with "L.C.T." (Louis Comfort Tiffany), "L.C. Tiffany," "L.C. Tiffany Favrile," or "L.C.T. Favrile" along with a model or order number. Numbers beginning with letters (A, B, C, etc.) generally indicate different production periods. Paper labels reading "Tiffany Favrile Glass" or "Tiffany Studios" appear on some pieces. Window panels carry the "Tiffany Studios New York" stamp on lead came. Blown glass pieces show characteristic pontil marks. Careful comparison with known examples is essential, as forgeries exist.
Types & Techniques
- Favrile (Iridescent): Gold, blue, green, and red iridescent surfaces achieved through metallic oxide treatment
- Paperweight Vases: Clear glass with embedded flowers, leaves, and aquatic plants in the manner of French paperweights
- Lava Glass: Heavy, rough-textured glass mimicking volcanic lava flows, among the rarest types
- Reactive Glass: Color-changing glass that shifts hue depending on lighting conditions
- Cypriote Glass: Rough, pitted surface texture inspired by ancient Roman glass
- Tel el Amarna: Glass inspired by ancient Egyptian examples, with embedded thread decoration
- Aquamarine/Morning Glory: Internally decorated pieces with naturalistic underwater or floral scenes
- Cameo Glass: Multi-layered glass with carved decoration, rare in Tiffany's output
- Leaded Glass Windows: Pictorial and abstract compositions using hand-made glass in copper foil and lead came
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Small Favrile iridescent vases | $300 - $1,000 |
| Gold Favrile flower-form vases | $1,000 - $5,000 |
| Blue Favrile vases | $1,500 - $8,000 |
| Paperweight vases (small) | $5,000 - $20,000 |
| Paperweight vases (elaborate) | $20,000 - $200,000+ |
| Lava glass pieces | $20,000 - $200,000+ |
| Cypriote vases | $3,000 - $30,000 |
| Leaded glass table lamp shades | $5,000 - $3,000,000+ |
| Ecclesiastical/architectural windows | $10,000 - $500,000+ |
| Tel el Amarna pieces | $5,000 - $50,000 |
Condition Factors
Iridescent surfaces must be intact and vibrant; worn or rubbed iridescence cannot be restored and significantly reduces value. Chips, scratches, and cracks are serious defects on all Tiffany glass. Paperweight vases should show clear, unblemished internal decoration visible through pristine outer glass. Leaded glass panels should be examined for cracked glass segments, bulging, and lead deterioration. Window panels require assessment of all individual glass pieces, lead came integrity, and supporting structure. Interior staining in vases from water deposits is a common problem; some staining can be professionally cleaned, but etched deposits may be permanent.
Collecting Tips
Tiffany glass is extensively documented and studied. The model numbering system, combined with published references, helps authenticate and date pieces. Paperweight and Lava glass represent the highest achievements of Tiffany's glass art and bring the strongest prices. Gold Favrile flower-form vases are the most commonly found type and offer an accessible entry point. Blue Favrile generally commands higher prices than gold. Tiffany lamps combine glass and metalwork and represent a distinct subcategory. Authentication through reputable dealers and auction houses is essential, as quality forgeries exist. The Morse Museum in Winter Park, Florida, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Neustadt Collection provide essential reference. Study the distinctive qualities of Tiffany's hand-made glass, which differs from machine-made glass in thickness variation, bubble patterns, and color depth.