Vase 1893 - 1896

This vase was made by Louis Comfort Tiffany, using his innovative approach to glassmaking. Tiffany was a painter, but became completely captivated by the possibilities of molten glass. The piece is made using a technique called "Favrile," patented by Tiffany, involving mixing hot glass with metallic oxides to create an iridescent sheen. This wasn't just surface decoration; the colors were part of the glass itself. What’s fascinating is how Tiffany embraced industrial production while prioritizing artistry. Each piece was handmade by skilled glassblowers in his factory, but his designs broke from convention. The fluid forms, complex colors, and lustrous surfaces of his Favrile glass evoke the natural world. This vase is a great example of how he blurred boundaries between industry and craft, democratizing access to beautiful, handcrafted objects, even if these remained luxury items affordable only to the wealthy.