Vase

Art Historical Context

This exquisite Favrile glass vase, crafted by Louis C. Tiffany and the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company between 1893 and 1896, exemplifies the pinnacle of American Art Nouveau design. Standing just 6 3/4 inches tall, its petite form belies the revolutionary iridescence of Favrile glass—a shimmering, luster-rich material Tiffany patented in 1894. Inspired by ancient Roman vessels, the technique involved layering oxides on molten glass to create a handmade, jewel-like glow that shifted with light, transforming ordinary objects into artistic treasures. Produced during the Gilded Age, when Tiffany sought to elevate decorative arts amid rapid industrialization, this vase reflects his philosophy of beauty in everyday life. As head of his innovative studio, Tiffany blended chemistry and artistry, challenging mass-produced goods with luxurious, nature-inspired forms. Its organic curves and subtle color play evoke the Aesthetic Movement's emphasis on sensual appeal. Generously gifted to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1896 by collector H.O. Havemeyer, this early acquisition highlights Tiffany's swift rise to prominence. Today, in The American Wing, it invites visitors to appreciate how American ingenuity fused tradition and innovation, making fine art accessible yet opulent.