Tiffany Lamps Shine at Morphy Auctions

Featuring two dozen dazzling Tiffany Studios lamps, the Fine & Decorative Arts Auction realized $1.9 million in sales at Morphy Auctions December 19-20.

Taking center stage at the event was a signed and numbered Tiffany Nasturtium lamp with a leaded-glass shade profusely decorated with multicolored confetti glass tiles and a bevy of richly-hued flowers. Resting on a telescoping Tiffany-stamped cat’s-paw base and in excellent condition, the scene-stealing lamp sold for $123,000.

“The lamp selection was especially fine, with three particular Tiffany designs attracting the lion’s share of attention at the preview,” said Dan Morphy, president of Morphy Auctions.

A Tiffany Studios Peony leaded-glass table lamp displaying a lively medley of red and pink blooms against a verdant ground sold well above estimate for $79,950, while a rarely seen Tiffany Studios double candlestick with blown-out Favrile glass and a decorative patinated bronze lily pad base met its pre-sale expectations, selling for $20,910.

Tiffany Studios Peony leaded-glass table lamp in vibrant color scheme dominated by red and pink blooms with yellow centers sold for $79,950.

Courtesy Morphy Auctions

The sale featured a first-rate selection of European decorative art, including a very rare and appealing Loetz Lotus Leaf ten-inch triple-lobe glass vase. With purple-blue iridescent accents against a gold background and further enhanced by delicately detailed lotus leaves, this distinctive vase is prominently featured in a Loetz reference book sold for $33,210 against a $10,000-$15,000 estimate.

A rare Loetz Lotus Leaf vase sold for $33,210.

Courtesy Morphy Auctions

An absolutely amazing Amphora Gres-Bijou vase, 17 inches tall with a motif of applied leaves, blackberries, and three-dimensional feline heads, presented in mint condition with an 8179 Amphora Crown mark. The epitome of unapologetic Continental grandeur, this extravagant ceramic confection surpassed its estimate to settle at $11,685.

Amphora Gres-Bijou vase, 17 inches tall with a motif of applied leaves, blackberries, and three-dimensional feline heads, sold for $11,685.

Courtesy Morphy Auctions

A Paul Dachsel monumental Pinecone vase was reminiscent of decorative styles seen in both Vreeland’s book Monsters and Maidens: Collector’s Edition and Scott’s The House of Amphora. Standing 17 inches high with a ribbed composition, applied enameled pinecones, and stunning green, red and beige glazing, the marked (PD 12/2086) vessel reached the upper end of its estimate range, selling for $8,610.