Vase 1893 - 1896

This vase was made by Louis Comfort Tiffany, who lived from 1848 to 1933. Tiffany was celebrated for his innovative use of glass, pushing the boundaries of color and texture. In this piece, molten glass was carefully manipulated. Different colors of glass were layered and swirled together, resulting in an iridescent surface. While Tiffany himself was the creative force behind these designs, they were executed in a factory context. Many skilled glassworkers were involved in the production process. They were not simply following instructions, but rather using their expertise to coax these incredible effects from the material. Tiffany's company was tapping into the rich traditions of glassblowing, but also applying them to a new context of industrial production. It’s a great example of how handcraft and industrial labor can come together to create something truly special. Ultimately, the importance of this vase lies not only in its aesthetic beauty, but also in understanding the modes of its production. The finished object is a testament to the interplay between art, craft, and industry.