Tiffany Pottery: Art Nouveau Ceramics from Tiffany Studios
Tiffany Pottery is ceramic ware produced by Tiffany Studios in Corona, Queens, New York, between approximately 1904 and 1920 under the direction of Louis Comfort Tiffany. Far less well known than Tiffany's celebrated glass and lamps, the pottery line represents a small but artistically significant body of work featuring organic Art Nouveau forms, innovative glazes, and the distinctive aesthetic that Tiffany brought to every medium he explored. Due to its limited production, Tiffany Pottery is rare and highly prized by collectors of both American art pottery and Tiffany decorative arts.
History and Background
Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933), already famous for his stained glass windows and Favrile glass, began experimenting with ceramics around 1898. Commercial production started about 1904 at the Tiffany Studios facility in Corona. The pottery was made using a variety of clay bodies and glazes, with forms inspired by natural elements -- plants, gourds, mushrooms, ferns, and artichokes. Production was always limited, and the pottery line was discontinued by about 1920 as Tiffany Studios' broader production declined.
Identification and Marks
- Incised marks: "LCT" (Louis Comfort Tiffany) monogram incised on the base
- Etched cipher: An incised or etched conjoined "LCT" mark
- "Tiffany Studios" or "Tiffany Favrile Pottery": Sometimes stamped or incised alongside the LCT mark
- Mold numbers: Incised alphanumeric codes identifying the form
- Glaze variations: Tiffany Pottery was produced in a range of glazes including matte green, ivory, crystalline, brown, and multicolor
- Bisque (unglazed) pieces: Some pieces were left unglazed with a matte, terra cotta-like finish; referred to as "bisque" Tiffany
Types and Forms
- Vases: The most common form; organic shapes inspired by plants, flowers, and gourds
- Bowls: Low, wide bowls often with molded artichoke, fern, or leaf motifs
- Lamp bases: Pottery bases designed to hold Tiffany glass shades; among the rarest and most valuable forms
- Jardinieres: Large planters with molded organic decoration
- Tiles: Decorative tiles in limited quantities
Glaze Types
- Old Ivory: A warm cream to ivory matte glaze; the most common
- Matte Green: A rich, organic green; popular and widely recognized
- Crystalline: Iridescent or semi-matte glazes with crystalline effects
- Bronze-mounted pieces: Some pottery was fitted with Tiffany bronze mounts and liners
Auction Price Ranges
| Type | Glaze/Detail | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Small vases (under 6 inches) | Old Ivory or matte green | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Medium vases (6-10 inches) | Standard glazes | $2,000 - $6,000 |
| Large vases (over 10 inches) | Standard glazes | $4,000 - $15,000 |
| Vases with exceptional glaze | Crystalline, multicolor | $5,000 - $25,000+ |
| Bowls with molded decoration | Various glazes | $1,500 - $5,000 |
| Bronze-mounted pottery | With Tiffany bronze | $3,000 - $15,000 |
| Lamp bases | Complete with shade | $10,000 - $50,000+ |
| Bisque (unglazed) pieces | Various forms | $800 - $3,000 |
Condition Factors
- Glaze condition: Chips, flakes, or losses in the glaze reduce value substantially on these high-value pieces
- Structural integrity: Cracks, repairs, and chips are critical; even minor damage significantly impacts auction results
- Mark clarity: Clear, legible LCT marks and mold numbers support authentication and add buyer confidence
- Glaze quality: The richness and character of the glaze is a primary aesthetic consideration; exceptional glaze effects bring premium prices
- Bronze mounts: When present, bronze elements should be original Tiffany with matching patina
Collecting Tips
- Tiffany Pottery is rare enough that any genuine piece commands attention; total production was small compared to Tiffany glass
- Authentication is critical; consult specialists familiar with Tiffany marks, clay bodies, and glaze characteristics before making major purchases
- Pieces with exceptional glaze effects -- unusual crystalline formations, rich color combinations -- bring substantial premiums over standard examples
- The cross-collector appeal is strong; Tiffany Pottery attracts both art pottery collectors and Tiffany decorative arts specialists
- Lamp bases designed for Tiffany glass shades, when reunited with appropriate period shades, can achieve extraordinary prices
- Condition tolerance is lower for Tiffany Pottery than for some art pottery categories because of the high price points involved; buy the best condition you can afford
- Major auction houses (Christie's, Sotheby's, Rago) are the primary venues for significant Tiffany Pottery; provenance from known Tiffany collections adds value