Salamander vase, Louis Comfort Tiffany

Exhibition Label: "Quilts: A Thread of Modernism," Aug-2005, Debra Thimmesch and Barbara Brackman The majority of Tiffany’s art pottery pieces were cast in molds, which, in some instances, were made from the copper bodies of his enamels. Following casting, each pot was painstakingly hand-finished and the glazing of individual pieces unique. The bronze appearance of this vase was produced by electroplating metal sheeting over the exterior surface of the pottery. The final touch is the application of a patina to subdue the sheen of the metal. Archive Label 2003: This Louis Comfort Tiffany vase is an example of bronze pottery, crafted by electroplating metal sheathing over the exterior of the ceramic vessel. A patina is then applied to this surface. The finished product resembles metal, but is much lighter than if it were made of metal. Salamander Vase is one of many Tiffany ceramics based on organic forms. At its base three salamanders are poised on foliage ready to slither away into the thicket of stems supporting the profusion of flowers that encircle the vase’s opening. Archive Lable date unknown: In 1900 Tiffany expanded his artistic production to unclude art pottery, but he did not exhibit these wares until 1904. The application of the Favrile trademark to Tiffany's pottery implies that it was handmade. Most of the pieces, however, were cast in molds. In some instances, the molds were often made directly from the copper bodies of his enamels, Despite this mechanical intervention, each pot was carefully hand finished, and the glazing made each work unique. Around 1910, Favrile Bronze pottery was added to Tiffany's ceramic production. This type of ceramic was made by electroplating metal sheathing over the exterior of the pottery and then patinating it. As seen in Tiffany's "Salamander" vase, the surface resembles metalwork more than traditional pottery. Archive Label: Tiffany was a versatile artist, known for his leaded-glass lamps and windows, paintings, bronzes, enamels, jewelry and ceramics. Salamander Vase is one of many Tiffany ceramics based on organic forms. It is designed with a profusion of flowers above the plant-form body. Three openwork stems curve away from the body, and at the foot are three leaf shapes, each with a salamander. Bronze pottery was made by electroplating metal sheathing over the exterior of the ceramic vessel and patinating the surface. The resulting vessel resembles metal, but is much lighter.