Grapevine pattern
Object NameLetter Rack
Artist / Maker
Louis Comfort Tiffany
(American, 1848 - 1933)
Manufacturer
Tiffany Studios
(American, 1885 - 1932)
Datec. 1910
OriginNew York, United States
MediumGlass and gilt-bronze
Dimensions10 x 12 1/2 in. (25.4 x 31.8 cm)
ClassificationsDecorative Arts, Metal
Credit LineGift of the Robert A. Wright Estate, Carroll, Iowa. In memory of Robert A. Wright, Estyl M. Wright, Mrs. A.L. Wright and Mrs. Ella M. Burke.
In the permanent collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University.
Object numberUM85.215
Status
Not on viewCollections
CultureAmerican
Label TextLouis Comfort Tiffany's work was rooted in the British Arts and Crafts Movement which focused on the quality of hand-crafted objects. While based on the Arts and Crafts Movement, Tiffany is considered an American master of the Art Nouveau Movement. With nature as his inspiration, Tiffany integrated delicate, elegant designs into his decorative art objects.
This letter rack is an example of the "fancy goods" that were among Tiffany's more affordable merchandise. The "Etched Metal and Glass" desk set in the grapevine and pine-needle patterns creates an effect similar to that of a stained-glass window, an art form for which Tiffany was so well known. In addition to the typical patinated green and brown finishes, seen here, a slightly more expensive gold-plated finish was available as seen in the Pine-needle frame in this exhibition. Made in the early 20th Century, the letter rack would have originally been part of a desk set that also included blotter ends, a pencil holder, a letter opener, a calendar, an inkwell, a stamp box and a lift-top desk box.
MarkingsTIFFANY STUDIOS
PeriodArts and Crafts
Locations
- (not entered) Iowa State University, Brunnier Main Storage
Object Name: Saucer, or Finger Bowl
Louis Comfort Tiffany
c. 1893-1918
Object number: 3.15.101
