Vase

Art Historical Context

This exquisite vase, crafted by Louis C. Tiffany and the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company between1893 and 1896, exemplifies the pinnacle of American Art Nouveau design. Standing at 12⅞ inches tall, it hails from the innovative workshops of Tiffany Studios, where the artist revolutionized decorative arts by blending artistry with industrial techniques. Donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in1896 by collector H.O. Havemeyer, it now graces The American Wing, showcasing the era's fascination with beauty in everyday objects. The vase's medium, Favrile glass—a term Tiffany coined from the Old English "fabrile," meaning handcrafted—marks a groundbreaking achievement. This hand-blown glass incorporates metallic oxides fired within the molten material, creating a shimmering iridescence that evokes ancient Roman vessels while pushing modern innovation. The subtle play of colors and organic forms reflect Tiffany's signature style, inspired by nature and Eastern aesthetics, making it both a functional vessel and a sculptural masterpiece. In the Gilded Age context, this piece symbolized America's rising cultural sophistication, bridging fine art and craft. Tiffany's Favrile wares earned international acclaim at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, influencing global design and elevating glassmaking to high art. Visitors, admire how its luminous glow captures the optimistic spirit of late 19th-century innovation!