Covered Bowl

Art Historical Context

Step into the opulent world of American decorative arts with this exquisite *Covered Bowl* crafted by Tiffany & Co. in 1900. Measuring an impressive 15¼ x 9¾ x 7¾ inches, this piece exemplifies the Gilded Age's fusion of functionality and luxury, designed as a lidded vessel for displaying or serving delicacies among the elite. Tiffany & Co., under the visionary Louis Comfort Tiffany, pioneered the American branch of Art Nouveau during this era, drawing inspiration from nature's organic forms and iridescent hues. Produced at the height of the firm's innovative output, the bowl reflects the Aesthetic Movement's emphasis on beauty in everyday objects, blending artistry with craftsmanship to rival European imports. Its multifaceted medium—glass, jade, and enamel on copper—highlights Tiffany's technical mastery: handblown glass for luminous bodies, rare jade inlays for subtle elegance, and vividly enameled copper mounts for decorative flair. A gift to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1904 by Mrs. Emma Matthiessen in memory of F.O. Matthiessen, it now graces The American Wing, offering a tangible glimpse into turn-of-the-century opulence and American ingenuity.

About the Artist

Tiffany & Co. · 1837–present

Tiffany & Co., founded on September 18, 1837, by Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young in New York City as a stationery and fancy goods store, quickly evolved into a premier American house for jewelry and decorative arts. Under Charles's leadership, the firm introduced innovations like the sterling silver standard in 1851 and the iconic six-prong Tiffany Setting engagement ring in 1886, establis...